Carson City Fire Department
The Carson City Firefighters Association purchased 235 brand new coats for Carson City students in transition between permanent homes through Operation Warm after raising almost $7,500, nearly double the amount raised in last year’s drive.
Firefighters on Wednesday began distributing coats to children selected by the Carson City School District at Fritsch Elementary School, which is the first stop on the distribution tour of district schools.
“The Carson City Firefighters Association would like to express our appreciation for all the folks who have stepped up to help raise money for Operation Warm,” Brad Mihelic, Carson City firefighter and member of the associations executive board, said. “Without the support of our community and private donations, we would not be able to provide warm winter coats to children who are in need this winter.”
“The need is so great, we went back and dug a little deeper into our own pockets and found enough for another 15 coats, bringing the total to 235,” said Mihelic. “Without major donors like Carson Medical Group this year, we would not have been able to serve so many deserving kids.”
Major donors include Carson Medical Group, Capital City Ford and Carson City Toyota. All donations benefit local children.
Carson Medical Group provided nearly $2,500 during this year’s fund drive. Becky Hepler, office manager, said when they were approached by the firefighters, the group jumped at the opportunity to help.
“Our physicians were 100 percent on board,” she said. “We created a campaign for employee giving and the physicians matched us dollar for dollar. These kids and families are our patients and we wanted to support our first responders as well, so it’s a double way to give back to our community.”
Firefighters visited several elementary schools, starting at Fritsch Elementary on Bath Street, where they distributed 21 coats. Fritsch principal Dan Brown said the population of students in transition is growing every year.
“Even though our economy is slowly getting better, we have a lot of families coming into the area that need support,” he said. “We are so grateful to have the kind of resources our firefighters are providing today to help our kids.”
Carson City Mayor Bob Crowell greeted students at Fritsch Elementary during the coat distribution, while the wind threatened to blow coats and signs over.
“On behalf of a grateful community, thank you Carson City Firefighters for Operation Warm,” he said. “This is perfect timing as winter is clearly here. The looks on these young folks’ faces tells it all.”
Miss Carson City, Briana Neben, accompanied the firefighters on their coat distribution rounds to support Operation Warm. Neben said her platform as Miss Carson City is to help people go from victimization to victories.
“Operation Warm is one way the community can empower kids to feel good about themselves by providing these brand new coats,” she said. The kids are so excited to have something new they get to keep for their very own.”
Operation Warm and the Carson City Firefighters Association collect funds year-round. Donations are being accepted now for 2016 coat fundraiser. Monthly recurring donations may also be made at www.operationwarm.org/carsoncity. Donations are tax deductible.
Supported by the International Association of Fire Fighters and Rotary Clubs across the country, Operation Warm has donated more than 1.7 million coats nationally since its inception in 1998.
