Community Corner

Fire and Rescue Receives Thousands of Coat Donations for Children

Firefighters distributed about 2,400 winter coats to kids and adults in need in the Fairfax County and surrounding areas.

Area-school students lined up at the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Station 11 - Penn Daw in Alexandria Wednesday morning as firefighters distributed about 2,400 winter coats for children from Pre-K to middle school age.

In cooperation with Operation Warm, Coats for Kids Foundation, Apple Federal Credit Union, Progressive Firefighters of Fairfax County, and Fairfax County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics, firefighters were able to get multiple donations to purchase winter coats, during the department's annual coat drive.

Capt. William Bailey who organizes the event every year, said the charity events they organize — including the school supplies distribution and toy donations during the holidays — all come together to serve a purpose in helping local children and those in need. The is the seventh year the fire department has sponsored the community event.

"It started out small, but each year it just gets bigger," said Capt. Kendall Thompson. "You know Willie, he just takes this to a whole other level every time."

Bailey said for the first time, the coats for this annual event were made in America and are tagged "Firefighters Coats for Kids."

The department received generous support and donations from local businesses and organizations including Nationwide Credit Corporation, Promax Realtors, Modern Technology Solutions, Fairfax County Federation of Teachers, Kilroy's Restaurant and Sports Bar, SEIU VA-512, ACBC, Medocracy, Inc., and the Rotary Club of Tyson Corner.

Also in attendance helping preshool children and their families find coats during the event were Fire Chief Richard R Bowers, Jr. Fairfax County School Board Member Dan Storck and Dorothy McAuliffe, wife of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe.

McAuliffe said she was invited to the coat drive by Bailey and couldn't miss the opportunity to support a good cause.

The firefighters also had hundreds of coats available for adults. 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 60 fire departments are now participating in the annual coat giveaway throughout the country.


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