Ocean City Union Launches Winter Coat Drive

OCEAN CITY– The Career Firefighter/Paramedics Association of Ocean City, IAFF LOCAL 4269 will provide brand-new winter coats to over 40 children in the Ocean City area in partnership with Operation Warm, a national non-profit dedicated to warming the hearts, minds and bodies of children in need.

“When we found out that there are children right here in our own community without a winter coat, we knew we had to take action,” said Ryan L. Whittington, president of the Career Firefighter/Paramedics Association of Ocean City. “By nature of our service to the community, we step up and do what we can help those we serve. Not just during an emergency, but in our everyday actions.”

Ocean City Career Firefighters/Paramedics will personally fit each child with a new coat and help them write their name in the interior tag which reads, “Made Just for You.”

“This is a program that strengthens communities and the overall well-being of children,” stated Rich Lalley, Executive Director of Operation Warm. “A new coat boosts a child’s self-esteem and allows families to stretch limited financial resources to other basic necessities, such as food and shelter.”

Ocean City firefighters are asking the community to donate to this important cause. Each $34 donation provides an underprivileged Ocean City child with a brand new, American-made winter coat. Help the Ocean City firefighters reach their goal by donating at www.operationwarm.org/oceancity. In the comments/notes section apply the code Ocean City Firefighters to ensure your donation stays in the Ocean City Community. You can also mail a check made out to Operation Warm to Ocean City Operation Warm, PO Box 3217, Ocean City, Md. 21843.