01/13/2023 - LYNN, MASSACHUSETTS (ESSEX COUNTY) - On the afternoon of Friday, January 13, 2023 the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts and the Boston Bruins Foundation started their "Operation Warm" initiative, providing winter coats, gloves and hats to children in need. Lynn Ladder-2 and Engine-9 arrived at the Curwin Circle Recreation Hall, with the Boston Bruins mascot Blades riding step, full of boxes of winter items. Firefighters, and Blades alike, were happily greeted by children and parents who live in the Curwin Circle neighborhood. Members of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, along with members of Lynn Firefighters Local #739, carried the boxes into the recreation hall where dozens of children gathered to receive their winter items. The coats were designed and manufactured by ThreadTech, a local company based in the Boston neighborhood of Charlestown, owned by Donielle McKeever. The coats, available in black or navy, featured a tag with the PFFM and Boston Bruins Foundation logos, along with a space for the children to write their names on the coat, signifying it as their own. Operation Warm had been held for several consecutive years, but was paused for the last few years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Members of the PFFM and Boston Bruins foundation commented how happy they were to have Operation Warm back in full swing. The Lynn visit of Operation Warm was the first of three stops around the Commonwealth. The following week, firefighters distributed winter items to children in Holyoke, followed the next week with a stop in Brockton.
