Yesterday, the Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) Foundation and Local 157 OKC Firefighters brought warmth, joy, and fire truck fun to Coolidge Elementary through the 2024 Coat-A-Kid program. Firefighters from Station 25 visited students, celebrating the distribution of winter coats and creating joyful memories that showcased the power of community.

Local 157 OKC Firefighters are not only key partners, but also one of the program’s largest contributors, helping ensure many OKCPS students have warm winter coats. Their financial support, combined with their hands-on involvement, highlights their dedication to building a stronger and more compassionate community.

“As firefighters, we’re all about serving our community in every way we can,” said Cameron Weems, President of the Local 157 OKC Firefighters Association. “Partnering with the OKCPS Foundation for the Coat-A-Kid program allows us to give back in a way that directly impacts the lives of children right here in our community.”

With nearly 92% of OKCPS’ 33,000 students living at or below the poverty line, the Coat-A-Kid program addresses an essential need by providing coats to children who might otherwise go without. This year, the initiative was made possible by donors such as Local 157 Firefighters, the Lemon Family Foundation, OnCue, Cox, Diamondback Energy, Natalie Shirley, Ascent Resources, Paycom and hundreds of other generous donors in the community and across the country.

“This program goes to the heart of our mission—to advocate for equity and support for every student in Oklahoma City Public Schools,” said Kendra Horn, incoming President and CEO of the OKCPS Foundation. “When we work together as a community, we can remove barriers and give children the tools they need to succeed. A warm coat may seem small, but it can make a world of difference to that child.”

The event at Coolidge Elementary was a joyful celebration. Students wore their new coats and had the chance to interact with Oklahoma City Firefighters, explore the fire truck, and learn about fire safety.

While this year’s Coat-A-Kid campaign has been a success, the OKCPS Foundation reminds the community that it’s not too late to make a difference. A $20 donation provides a coat for a child in need, and continued contributions will help provide coats for any additional students in need and prepare for future needs.

“This year’s campaign has been incredible. Thanks to the generous support of our partners and sponsors like OKC Firefighters Local 157 and individuals across the community, we were able to provide 5,000 coats for OKCPS students. We couldn’t do this without you, but the need doesn’t stop when temperatures drop,” said Horn. “We accept donations year-round to ensure no child faces a winter without warmth.”

For more information on the Coat-A-Kid program or to donate, visit www.okckids.com.