Milwaukee Fire Dept. to provide 8,250 brand new coats to students

Wisconsin winters can be difficult, but imagine dealing with the frigid cold without the proper necessities. Winter is often an emotional and stressful time for families going through financial hardships. That's why the Milwaukee Fire Department wants to help. Fire officials have been raising money throughout the year to support a campaign entering it's 4th year.

"Warm Up Winter" will provide 8,250 new coats to Milwaukee students. Firefighters will distribute the coats to Milwaukee-area schools, starting Monday. Officials say these coats will make a big difference in the lives of children because they will help them be better students. Often, children will not go to school or participate in outdoor recess when they do not have winter necessities, like a coat.

In June, Milwaukee residents and generous community members donated $115,000 to firefighters who were collecting donations at intersections throughout the city. That money allowed firefighters to purchase brand new coats from "Operation Warm." After distribution this year, firefighters will have donated 16,000 new winter coats to children at 36 Milwaukee-area schools. 

Distribution will begin at Forest Home Avenue School on Monday at 9:30 a.m. From there, firefighters will head to Engleburg Elementary School at 1 p.m. On Tuesday, they'll visit St. Marcus Lutheran School at 9 a.m., followed by Byron Kilbourn Elementary School at 1 p.m. On Wednesday, students at Rogers Street Academy will receive coats at 9 a.m., followed by students at St. Anthony School at 1:30 p.m. On Thursday, firefighters will head to Urban Day School at 9 a.m. and Elm Creative Arts School at 1 p.m. On Friday, they'll make their way to La Escuela Fratney at 9:30 a.m. and Gwen T. Jackson Early Childhood & Elementary School at 1 p.m. On Monday, students at Rocketship Southside Community Prep will receive coats at 9 a.m. Then students at Dr. Martin Luther king, Jr. Elementary School and Bruce Elementary School will receive them at 1 p.m. On Tuesday, firefighters will travel to Browning School at 9 a.m., followed by Hawthorne Elementary School at 1 p.m. and North Point Lighthouse Charter School at 1:30 p.m. Finally, firefighters will hand out coats at St. Martini Lutheran School on Wednesday at 9 a.m. and Believers in Christ Christian Academy at 1:30 p.m.

To learn more about "Warm Up Winter" or to make a donation, click here.