Firefighters to Distribute Coats and Sneakers to Kids

Fairfax County firefighters in cooperation with Operation Warm, FOCUS-North America, Office of Public Private Partnerships, Apple Federal Credit Union, Progressive Firefighters of Fairfax County, and Fairfax County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics – Local 2068 will distribute new winter coats and sneakers for children through middle school age, Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 11 a.m., at Penn Daw Fire and Rescue Station 11, 6624 Hulvey Terrace, Alexandria.

Prior to the kickoff, area preschool children will be on hand at 10 a.m. to receive new coats and sneakers from firefighters.

The coats were made in America and are tagged “Firefighters Coats for Kids.” This is the third year made in America coats have been featured in the annual giveaway. For the second time, FOCUS-North America has partnered with FXFRD, providing over 1,000 pairs of new sneakers.

Through generous support and donations from other organizations and businesses, including: Nationwide Credit Corporation, Promax Realtors, Keith Burns Foundation, Fairfax County Federation of Teachers, Aluminum Cans for Burned Children, and Medocracy, Inc., it is anticipated that more than 2,000 children and their families will benefit. The department coordinates distribution with Fairfax County Public Schools, the Department of Human Resources, Department of Family Services, and local shelters.

Operation Warm is a non-profit organization partnering with organizations in 40 states helping to provide new winter coats to children who cannot afford them. More than 150 fire departments are now participating in the annual coat giveaway throughout the country. FOCUS-North America’s mission is to help and serve those less fortunate with food, shelter, and clothing.

This is the ninth year the department has sponsored this community event.

PHOTO by Elliott Rubino; courtesy of Fairfax County