Mpls. Firefighters Raising Money To Give Coats To Kids In Need

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - Minneapolis firefighters have raised $15,000 this weekend to help kids in need this winter.

A fundraiser was held at the new Fulton Brewery Saturday evening.

A $20 donation went toward a brand new, American-made coat for a child in Minneapolis.

Firefighters say the donation helps with a child's self esteem, keeps them in school through winter, and frees up family resources.

"As firefighters, we go into children's homes and sometimes we see how little they have or what kind of situation they're living in. It gives us the opportunity to pinpoint kids that are really in need and who really need these coats," said Operation Warm program director Justin Johnson, who's also a firefighter.

WCCO-TV's Jennifer Mayerle served as emcee at the event, which featured food trucks and entertainment.

Want to donate? Learn more here.