Cottleville Firefighters Outreach Help Keep Francis Howell School District Students Warm This Winter

Press release from the Francis Howell School District:

November 29, 2021

Firefighters are there for their communities during the toughest times. Cottleville Firefighters Outreach and Central County Fire and Rescue Outreach are giving back in a big way.

Firefighters are buying and giving out hundreds of coats to students at 23 FHSD schools this season. Teachers, counselors and principals identify students in need. The educators then have firefighters deliver coats while kids are in school learning. This program is in its fifth year and to date, 1,921 coats have been distributed.

The firefighters say they get as much out of this program as the children do.

“We truly appreciate the chance to help the most vulnerable members of our community and the people that are supporting them every day,” said Garrett Ryan, executive director of CFO. “It makes us feel great to know that we’re helping kids and doing something to give back to our community.”

When Cottleville firefighters discussed this idea with Francis Howell School District administrators they were thrilled. Deanna Kruse, who works in FHSD student services, knows the need within the district.

“What an amazing program! We are beyond thankful for the partnership. This means so much to all of our students and their families,” Kruse said.

Every coat is purchased with money raised by community donations and business sponsorships. Students will stay warm this winter, thanks to the generosity of the CFO.

This press release was produced by the Francis Howell School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.