'Share the Warmth': Westport Firefighters' Annual Coat Drive Underway

Information from the Westport Fire Department

WESTPORT, CT — Deputy Fire Chief Nick Marsan and Westport firefighters partner with Bridgeport Rescue Mission for the “Share the Warmth” coat drive.

Join us and help keep our neighbors in need warm this winter. Deputy Chief Nick Marsan said, “This drive touches the lives of hundreds of men, women, and children from the area’s most distressed, local neighborhoods. A coat may seem like a simple thing, but thousands of children and adults in communities close by will need a warm, winter coat for the cold months ahead.”

Public donations of new or gently used (and clean) winter coats, hats, mittens/gloves, and snowsuits will be accepted in the receptacles at Fire Headquarters (515 Post Road East),
Westport Senior Center (21 Imperial Aveue), and Town Hall (11 Myrtle Avenue) through
December 15th. In addition, several of our public schools will have collection boxes at their entrance. Westport firefighters will sort and transport the items to the Bridgeport Rescue Mission. We ask for your support and generosity to help make this coat drive a success.

Rob Lenois, Westport firefighter and President of Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation, “This gives us the opportunity to give back and lessen the burden that families are carrying. Together we can make a difference, help change lives and share hope. Last year, we distributed 1,353 coats from the efforts of this generous community!”

Anna Rycenga, Westport resident and volunteer, "Please join the WFD and me this winter season as we have an essential need for winter coats for many local families in need. Unfortunately, many go without a warm coat and together we can make an impact and share the warmth one coat at a time."

Bridgeport Rescue Mission provides food, safe housing & addiction recovery services in Coastal Connecticut. They offer services and programs such as safe housing, where men and women are provided clothing and hot meals. Programs and services provided by Bridgeport Rescue Mission are free of charge; granting our neighbors in need an opportunity for hope and a pathway to change. BridgeportRescueMission.org.

— Flyer image via Westport Fire Department