Algonquin-LITH Firefighters Raising Money to Buy Coats for Kids

The professional firefighters of Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Local 3985 invite the community to join them in helping provide new winter coats to children in need.

This fundraising campaign aims to provide at-risk children in Algonquin and Lake in the Hills with brand new, American-made coats for the winter.  

This is the first year the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills firefighters have joined forces with national non-profit Operation Warm to launch the program, “Firefighters Coats for Kids.” 

The program is a movement led by professional firefighters across the United States to combat the effects of childhood poverty while saving American jobs. 

Each $32 donation will provide a brand-new, American-made winter coat for a child in the communities of Algonquin and Lake in the Hills where nearly 18 percent of students live at a degree of the federal poverty level. 

"Local 3985 has been working hard to give back to these children,” said Kevin Raether, IAFF Local 3985 Firefighter. “We hope to gain support from everyone in the community to make this winter a special one.”  

The Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Firefighters plan to continue collecting donations throughout the winter months.

“When we’re not responding to 911 emergencies, we find other ways to serve those who need us in the community,” Raether said. “Keeping these children warm and safe throughout the winter is the least we can do.” 

The Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Professional Firefighters aim to raise at least $1,000 to provide new winter coats to over 30 children. 

Just before the Illinois cold sets in, firefighters will surprise the students with their bright new coats, personally fitting each child, and helping them to write their names in the interior tag, which reads, “Made Especially for You.”

“This is a program that strengthens communities and the overall well-being of children,” said Carey Palmquist, 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.”

Operation Warm is dedicated to providing new winter coats to U.S. children in need and has reached more than 1.2 million children since 1998. 

Donate to Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Professional Firefighters Coats for Kids: www.operationwarm.org/ALH