Jefferson City Fire Department donates coats for students

Jefferson City firefighters Monday gave local schools several large boxes full of bran new coats for students in need.

It cost the International Association of Firefighters and the state council more than $1400.

In all, there were 42 coats, ranging in color and size.

The gifts were part of “Operation Warm,” an organization that provides winter coats for children in need.

Firefighters said the help is needed more than ever.

“As cold as it is out right now, and with the deep winds that have set in, these coats will go a long way when helping kids stay warm on their way to and from school, especially,” said firefighter Ryan Lock.

Family School Advocate Mindie Friederich said, “We take them and we’ll go to the home and take them to the parents or to the school and the kids can wear them home.”

Capital Region Medical Center also had a coat drive for students in Jefferson City earlier this winter.