Submitted by Tumwater Firefighters
On November 21, the Tumwater Firefighters, IAFF Local 2409, will provide brand-new winter coats to children attending Tumwater Hill Elementary School in partnership with Operation Warm, a national non-profit dedicated to warming the hearts, minds, and bodies of children living in need across North America. This is the second year Tumwater Firefighters have participated in the “Firefighters for Operation Warm” program. Last year, Tumwater Firefighters distributed nearly 200 American-made coats to students attending Peter G. Schmidt Elementary School.
This year, Local 2409 hope to raise enough money to distribute coats to 400 children attending Tumwater Hill Elementary School. They are asking the community to support their efforts through monetary donations— an event will be held Saturday, October 25 from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Pint’s Barn located in Tumwater. The event will feature a silent auction, food, and music provided by Ethan Tucker.
“With our poverty levels reaching 11%, our children and schools benefit from this program in more ways than one,” stated Donovan Cathey, Local 2409 President. “By nature of our service to the community, we’re able to see the harsh effects poverty has on these children first hand.” Tumwater Firefighters will arrive at Tumwater Hill Elementary, personally fitting each child with a new coat, and helping them to write their name in the interior tag which reads, “Made Just for You.”
Specifically for their Firefighter program, Operation Warm has been able to manufacture 60,000 100% American-made coats, supporting over 200 jobs. These children will receive bright, new coats made with American pride. “This is so much more than a coat,” said Cathey, “beyond warmth and dignity for children, American coat production targets a root cause of poverty for so many families.”
“This is a program that strengthens communities and the overall well-being of children,” stated Rich Lally, Executive Director of Operation Warm. “A new coat boosts a child’s self-esteem and allows families to stretch limited financial resources to other basic necessities, such as food and shelter.”
To donate to Tumwater Firefighters click on www.operationwarm.org/tumwater or for more information visit Firefighters for Operation Warm.
