“Operation Warm” is back and running this year after a six-year absence.
City of Batavia Firefighters Local 896, along with Batavia Downs, Batavia Community Schools, and Firefighters for Operation Warm, collected enough funds to make 144 winter coats available for children in the City of Batavia School District.
With help of Batavia Downs and their Batavia Bourbon and Whiskey Fest along with donations from members of the community and local businesses “Operation Warm” is back.
“It started with Batavia Downs wanting to donate money and when we met with them, we realized that this was a good time to restart “Operation Warm”. We knew there was a need for it, especially in WNY with cold winters. We are just happy to get it going again and give back to the community and help kids out, parents may not be able to afford a brand-new coat for them,” says Mark Sacheli, President of the City Firefighters Association.
City of Batavia Firefighters handed out coats to kids at Robert Morris School (Batavia Community Schools) in the multipurpose room late Monday afternoon. Students from Jackson Primary and John Kennedy Schools were recipients of the 144 “Operation Warm” coats.
“Community Schools is grateful to the City of Batavia Fire Department Local 896 and Batavia Downs for their support of Operation Warm. Over 140 coats were donated to Community Schools to share with Batavia students in need.
We understand the holiday and winter months bring various challenges to families. If anyone needs assistance or would like access to our Family and Community Engagement Center and the Community Closet, please call our District Social Worker, Julie Wasilewski, at 585-409-9508 for an appointment,” says Julia Rogers, Coordinator of Community Schools.
