Firefighters donate coats to local school

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Thanks to generous firefighters, 60 elementary students will receive brand new coats just in time for the cold weather.

All 60 coats were donated to Mary C. Williams Elementary school where they will be distributed to students. This is the first year, the New Hanover County Professional Firefighters Association participated in the coat project, which is nationwide program.

“Anytime we can get out into the community and do some good things for the community, aside from what we do on a day-to-day, it’s absolutely a very gratifying opportunity,” said Firefighter Brent Stophel who organized the project.

Stophel said A&I Fire and Water Restoration, Shooters Choice, Styles Hair Salon and Black’s Tire were integral sponsors for the coat donation. The Professional Firefighters and Paramedics of North Carolina matched the $1,000 originally raised by the firefighters.

The group said they plan to purchase more coats next year.