LYNN — Members of Lynn Fire Fighters Local 739, Boston Bruins Foundation, and Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts delivered 250 kids winter coats and hats by fire truck to Gregg House on Wednesday.
The effort, called Operation Warm, gave children the opportunity to choose a new, warm winter coat and hat and write their name on the special tag.
Mario Lopez, president of Lynn Fire Fighters Local 739, said that 2025 is the third year the union has been chosen by the PFFM to give away the winter gear to local kids for Operation Warm.
“Sometimes you’ll see kids outside waiting for school without a coat or a hat, or ones that are the wrong size. This way, the kids can have something for themselves,” Lopez said. “Taking care of them in this personal way shows that somebody cares about them.”
Boston Bruins Foundation President Bob Sweeney talked about Operation Warm’s recent expansion throughout Massachusetts.
“Some kids might not have the wherewithal to have a new warm coat, so this is something that we feel we could expand upon in different communities throughout the state. Rather than just be isolated in Boston, we wanted to get out to as many communities as we can,” Sweeney said.
He added, “The kids get excited when they see the firetrucks and firefighters come in. We know the next few months can be challenging for families, so, through Operation Warm, we hope to alleviate some of their stress.”
PFFM President Rich MacKinnon gave insight on how Operation Warm brings a sense of connection between first responders and to local youth.
“Our members respond to tragedies and heartbreaking calls on shift far too often, so being able to deliver joy and hope to children in our community, especially during the holidays, is why we look forward to this program year after year,” MacKinnon said.
