Denver Firefighters Deliver Warmth And Smiles With 1,000 Winter Coats For Kids

February 13, 2025

Denver firefighters, in partnership with local organizations and Denver Public Schools, are making sure no child faces the winter cold without a coat.

Thanks to their efforts, 1,000 brand-new winter coats were distributed to students at Marrama Elementary School and Munroe Elementary School, bringing warmth and joy to young hearts.

Denver firefighters winter coats
Michael Knect

This initiative was started last year by Denver Firefighter Michael Knect, who grew up in Alaska and understands the importance of staying warm.

"The meaning behind it for me is just making sure that every kid has a coat out there," Knect shared. "I don't like seeing kids outside without a jacket or a way to keep warm."

Last year, the program was only able to support one school. But thanks to increased fundraising and community support, this year they doubled their impact, providing 600 coats to Marrama Elementary and 400 to Munroe Elementary.

The excitement didn’t stop with just the coats—after picking out their cozy new jackets, the kids were treated to an up-close look at the firefighters’ trucks. With wide eyes and big smiles, they explored the fire engines and met the heroes who keep their community safe.

Watch the video below.