Memphis Firefighters, IAFF Local 1784, Provide 2,000 Memphis and Shelby County Children in Great Need with New Coats Launching the Firefighters Coats for Kids Foundation in Memphis

MEMPHIS, TN, November 21, 2012 (Press-News.org) On Tuesday November 20th, the Memphis Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 1784, will provide 2,000 Memphis and Shelby County children with brand-new winter coats through their partnership with Firefighters Coats for Kids Foundation, a division of national non-profit, Operation Warm. "With poverty up to nearly 40% this couldn't have a better impact on our children and our schools," stated Thomas Malone, Local 1784 Union President. "We will grow this program until the Memphis Firefighters Association can provide coats to all children who may benefit across Memphis and Shelby County."

Operation Warm is the largest non-profit provider of new winter coats in the U.S. and has recently garnered the support of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) who encourages their members to participate with the Firefighters Coats for Kids Foundation. "Out of 300,000 IAFF firefighters across the U.S. and Canada, we couldn't be more proud to launch one of the largest programs, reaching the most children in need, right here in Memphis," stated Matthew Tomek, Local 1784 Secretary/Treasurer.

Pallets of new winter coats in a variety of sizes, colors, and styles will be delivered to more than ten elementary schools across Memphis and Shelby County. At the Cornerstone Preparatory Academy, Memphis Firefighters will pay a surprise visit to the pre-k students, delivering their new coats in person, fitting each child, and helping them to write their names in the interior tag which reads, "Made Especially for You."

Children will receive their new coats just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday, which Memphis Firefighters hope will bring a bit of added joy to 2,000 local families. "This is a program that strengthens communities and the overall well-being of children," stated Carey Palmquist, Executive Director of Operation Warm. "A new coat boosts a child's self-esteem and allows families to stretch limited financial resources to other basic necessities, such as food and shelter."

About Firefighters Coats for Kids Foundation
Firefighters Coats for Kids is a division of nonprofit Operation Warm, a 501(c)3 founded in 1998. Operation Warm's mission is to warm the hearts, minds and bodies of children in poverty through the gift of warmth - a brand new winter coat. Community service is at the core of a firefighter's mission. Through Firefighters Coats for Kids, they inspire hope and empower the communities they serve, by providing NEW winter coats to those children most in need. By 2013, Firefighters Coats for Kids plans to distribute American-made coats, bringing back jobs to North America and further battling the cycle of poverty. For more information visit: http://www.firefighterscoatsforkids.org

About Operation Warm Inc.
Operation Warm Inc. is one of the nation's largest nonprofit providers of new winter coats to children in need. Our vision is that every child wearing a new winter coat is healthy, able to attend school regularly and develop a strong self-esteem. Operation Warm has distributed coats in 37 states. In February 2012, we served our MILLIONTH child - a momentous milestone. For more information about Operation Warm visit http://www.operationwarm.org.

Memphis Firefighters Coats for Kids: https://donate.operationwarm.org/memphis1784
Memphis Media Inquiries: Renee Koerner - (610) 388-2500 renee@operationwarm.org