50 children were outfitted with brand-new winter coats thanks to Waterbury Firefighters Local 1339. Waterbury Firefighters have partnered with Operation Warm, a non- profit organization that has provided new coats to 1.5 million children in need.

The coat distribution was held  this morning at Jonathon Reed School. The school was chosen based upon its high percentage of children qualifying for support programs. Waterbury Firefighters worked closely with Diana Monti, Parent Liaison at Reed School, to select children who would most benefit. Firefighters raised money through a number of sources; contributions were made by Waterbury Fire Dept. members, the local community, FD Community Federal Credit Union members, Western Connecticut Labor Council AFL-CIO, and corporate sponsor Cigna.

Last year Waterbury Firefighters provided 50 coats to local children through the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Waterbury. Operation Warm has brought 20% of its manufacturing back to the USA, an effort which supports over 200, fair paying jobs.  In 2012, Operation Warm and the International Association of Firefighters launched a partnership that spans the US and Canada. Working together for two years, IAFF Firefighters have served over 50,000 less-fortunate children in 39 states.