The union that represents East Pierce Fire and Rescue, IAFF Local 3520, held a coat drive beginning in August. The fruits of their labor were reaped Oct. 30 when they handed brand new winter coats to 95 under-privileged students at Daffodil Valley Elementary.

Operation Warm was funded primarily by Amazon but donations also came in from individuals in the community. The purpose of the program is to provide children brand new, custom fitted coats to shield them from winter weather. New clothing essentials can also help provide children with the confidence they need to succeed in school.

“It was neat to see the kids faces light up as they got a new coat. You could tell many of these kids have not had ‘new’ things before, and this coat was sized and made just for them,” said Mike Westland, IAFF Local 3520 president. “It felt great to be helping these kids out.”

There may be an opportunity to hold another coat drive later this year, Westland said. The union is waiting to hear back from a potential donor before making definitive plans. If they are unable to secure a major donor this winter, they will continue to plan for next year. He sad he hopes the coat drive will be an annual event, benefitting a different school each fall.

For more information about how the Operation Warm Coats for Kids Foundation provides new winter coats to children in need, please visit the Operation Warm website.