Phila. Firefighters Union Distributes Winter Coats To Children
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- "Operation Warm" visited a South Philadelphia elementary school Thursday.
One day ahead of the arrival of the season's first storm, Philadelphia Firefighters and Paramedics Union Local 22 helped about 50 students at Sharswood Elementary try on their new winter jackets.
The coat giveaway program has been an annual event in Philadelphia since 1998 and Local 22 President Andy Thomas says it continues to grow, along with the need.
"The International Association of Firefighters implemented the program in 2012 across the whole country. So far we've distributed over 500,000 coats," said Thomas.
The local has given away about 150 coats this season.
