MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - It was a warm gift for thousands of Mid-South kids. The Memphis Firefighters Association donated 2,000 coats to city and county school children Tuesday.
Firefighters handed them out at Cornerstone Prep Academy. One by one children were fitted, then they strutted around showing off their brand new stylish duds.
Thomas malone, IAFF Local 1784 President, told abc24.com, "Most of these children have never had a new coat in their life. This is not something that is a hand-me-down. Hopefully this will build esteem, get them to school to do the things that we're hoping."
"Oh I'm so excited, so excited to see the joy on their faces," said Cornerstone Prep's Principal Lisa Settle. "I'm so excited that they are so happy to receive these coats to have the firefighters come give it to them is just awesome."
Firefighters hope to grow this program until they can provide a coat for every single child who needs one.
