Philadelphia Firefighters Hoping To Purchase 1,000 Overcoats For Needy Local Kids
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The union that represents Philadelphia firefighters is back in action, raising money for this year's "Operation Warm," which has provided overcoats for 1.2 million children during the past 15 years.
Operation Warm: Philadelphia Firefighters Coats for Kids, a partnership with Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, raises money for coats for Philadelphia children who need them.
"In addition to giving them warmth all winter, we're giving them the dignity that comes with having a brand-new coat to call their own," says Tim McShea, vice president of firefighters' Local 22 (at lectern in photo).
He says this year's goal is to raise money to buy 1,000 coats, and they're on their way.
"We're proud to announce that we have recently received a $1,000 gift from Univest Bank," which, he says, will buy 30 new coats.
IBEW Local 98 was also in the giving spirit, donating 300 coats at $10,000.
But many more are needed.
"Anyone can donate anything -- no donation is too small," says McShea.
The sturdy coats come in a variety of kid-friendly colors and are made in America.
For more information on how you can help between now and the end of the year, go to operationwarm.org.
