MASSENA -- Massena Permanent Fire Fighters IAFF Local 2220 plans to give brand new coats to children in need at Massena Headstart and Massena Central School District.

“Nearly 60% of local children live in poverty and a warm coat is an essential item during North Country winters,” Justin Niles, MPFF Local 2220 Treasurer said in a news release. “Every child, regardless of their economic situation, deserves a brand new coat. Massena Permanent Fire Fighters IAFF Local 2220 believes a brand-new coat is more than a coat, and offers a child physical and emotional warmth, confidence to socialize and succeed, and hope of a brighter future.”

Massena Permanent Fire Fighters IAFF Local 2220 is working with Operation Warm, a national nonprofit that manufacturers brand new, high-quality coats and partners with community organizations to give them away to children in need. Founded in 1998, Operation Warm and its partners have provided over 3 million coats across North America.

Massena Permanent Fire Fighters IAFF Local 2220 will personally fit each child with a new coat and help them to write their name in the interior tag which reads, “Made Just for You.”

Area citizens are invited to help Massena Permanent Fire Fighters IAFF Local 2220 with this project by giving money and “by spreading the word on what we are trying to accomplish,” the release said.