Mpls. Firefighters Working To Give Coats To Kids In Need

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - Firefighters are hoping you'll help them accomplish their goal of providing American-made coats to low-income children in Minneapolis.

Last year, Operation Warm gave away 500 jackets.

This year, they hope to double that number for students at Anderson United Community School on the city's south side.

Beyond providing warmth during the winter, the firefighters hope a new coat will encourage students to attend school regularly and build a strong self-esteem.

"As firefighters, we go into children's homes and sometimes we see how little they have or what kind of situation they're living in. It gives us the opportunity to pinpoint kids that are really in need and who really need these coats," said Operation Warm program director Justin Johnson, who's also a firefighter.

The fundraiser is Saturday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the new Fulton Brewery in northeast Minneapolis.

A $20 donation will get you in the door. There will be food trucks and entertainment. WCCO-TV's Jennifer Mayerle will serve as emcee.