Firefighters Keep District Kids Warm

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

1,000 kids in DC will stay warm this winter thanks to a partnership between the DC Firefighters union (IAFF Local 36) and Operation Warm, a nonprofit that supports communities by handing out new winter coats. Last Friday this partnership allowed the fire fighters to open their doors to children, social workers, counselors, and teachers, who joyfully gathered colorful coats for kids facing a cold winter. “Children are freezing in our community,” said Local 36 President Ed Smith, “and we can’t stand by, leaving them out in the cold.” This is the first year local firefighters have worked with Operation Warmth, but it’s unlikely to be their last. “Reaching 1,000 children in our first year is an accomplishment,” said Local 36 Secretary James Gordon, “but our goal is to serve every corner of the city.” Click here to watch a report from Channel 7 on the event. - photo courtesy IAFF 36