SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – Syracuse firefighters are set to continue a seven-year tradition of making sure schoolchildren can stay warm.
The firefighters are partnering with Operation Warm, a nonprofit dedicated to making winter clothes available to elementary schoolers, especially those in need. The two groups will join forces on November 19 for the eighth year running, this time at Franklin Elementary School.
Firefighter Robert Brandt has led the drive for several winters, and welcomes the opportunity to engage with the community in a less dangerous, and slightly less warm, way than normal.
“A lot of times, people only see us when they’re having essentially their worst day,” Brandt said. “This is another avenue for them to see what we do for the good of the community.”
The coat drive is set for 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. tomorrow morning. Over the course of the event, organizers expect over 550 students, from pre-K to third grade, will receive a fresh coat, hat, and pair of gloves.