Pittsburgh Firefighters Announce New Initiative to Provide New Winter Coats for Pittsburgh Children in Need

(PITTSBURGH) Oct. 24:  The Pittsburgh Fire Fighters IAFF Local No.1, are announcing a new national coat program that will help children in need stay warm this winter. As part of a new annual initiative called Firefighters Coats for Kids, a division of Operation Warm, Pittsburgh Fire Fighters will provide new winter coats to local elementary school-aged children this Saturday, October 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at their Union Hall located at 120 Flowers Avenue in Hazelwood. Local No. 1 is the first firefighter union in the nation to execute the new program which will be rolled out nationwide.

“Firefighters, whether they’re on-duty or off, are always trying to find ways to better serve their community,” said Ralph Sicuro, Local No. 1 vice president. “This program will provide nearly 1,000 school-age children with a warm coat, ensuring attendance in school and the ability to play outside during the coldest winter months.”

Firefighters Coats for Kids, is part of ongoing efforts by firefighters across the USA and Canada to strengthen families and communities.

“To a child living in poverty, there is nothing more exciting than something brand new,” said Carey Palmquist, executive director of Operation Warm.  “Aside from the emotional excitement a new coat illicits, the coat is instrumental in promoting so many good things in a child’s life including education, wellness, and self-esteem, to name a few.  It’s a program that strengthens the overall well-being of a child, and helps families stretch limited financial resources to other basic necessities including food and shelter.”

About Firefighters Coats for Kids:
A division of nonprofit Operation Warm, a 501(c)3, Firefighters Coats for Kids empowers communities by providing brand newwinter coats to children in need throughout the U.S. and Canada. Since 1998, Operation Warm has provided the gift of warmth to more than one million children.

Firefighters and organizers will be available for interviews on event day, scheduled for October 27, 2012 at 11:00am

For more information, call John Gardell (412) 719-7789. Pittsburgh Fire Fighters IAFF Local No.1 is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities.

By: Ralph Sicuro

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