A long-running partnership between Stafford County Fire and Rescue and Stafford County Public Schools will provide nearly 1,700 winter coats to local students this year through Operation Warm. This donation-driven program has grown dramatically since its launch more than 15 years ago.
Mark Doyle, a volunteer with the Mountain View Fire Department, said the effort began around 2008 when Fairfax County Fire and Rescue donated about 30 coats and encouraged Stafford to expand the initiative locally.
“We took off from there,” Doyle said. “Through the community partners, we’ve grown over the years to be able to go from supplying 30 coats that were given to us to, at some years, over 2,000 coats to the children within Stafford County Public Schools.”
Doyle said every dollar raised goes directly toward purchasing new coats. “There are no administrative fees. That’s what the money goes for—purchase coats. That’s the main goal.”
Identifying Students in Need
Hunter Berry, who oversees community engagement efforts for Stafford County Public Schools, said the division works closely with school social workers and guidance staff to identify students who need warm clothing.
“We’re dedicated to the whole student,” Berry said. “That includes making sure they’re fed, that they have clothing, that they have the school supplies that they need. We have kids that are waiting at the bus stop outside in the cold. We wanted to make sure they have the proper outerwear.”
Berry said the need increased sharply during the pandemic, with more than 2,000 coats distributed during some years. The number has now plateaued at just under 2,000 annually.
A Quiet Approach to Distribution
Doyle said firefighters intentionally stay out of the spotlight during deliveries. Early in the program, coats were handed out directly by fire crews, but some students—especially older ones—felt embarrassed.
“With these children, especially the older children, it’s a pride thing,” Doyle said. “Sometimes it’s not as warming as you think it is. They feel a little down about having to receive that coat.”
Now, coats are delivered to schools and distributed privately by guidance counselors. Doyle said firefighters gauge impact by seeing coats worn by students during school visits or calls for service.
How to Donate
Families who want to contribute can donate online through links available on Stafford County Public Schools’ website and the Mountain View Fire Department Facebook page.
Checks may also be mailed to:
Mountain View Fire & Safety Association
PO Box 2528
Stafford, VA 22555
Memo line: “Coats for Kids”
Doyle noted that this year’s success was made possible in large part by Ebenezer Methodist Church, which provided significant support.
“Quite honestly, without their partnership, we probably wouldn’t have been as successful as we were,” Doyle said.
