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Warm Hearts, Warm Coats: Downy and Meijer gift hundreds of winter coats to local elementary school

390 students at North Godwin Elementary School in Grand Rapids received free winter coats Thursday
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390 students at North Godwin Elementary School in Grand Rapids received free winter coats Thursday

Every student attending a Grand Rapids elementary school received a free winter coat Thursday

“My mom told me nothing in life is free but today that’s not the case!”

Lasanna Brew is the program manager for Operation Warm, a nonprofit that provides new coats and shoes to children in need.

It partnered with Downy and Meijer to give new coats to nearly 400 students at North Godwin Elementary School in Grand Rapids.

“They’ll grab a coat, hug themselves and reach for the sky to make sure the coat fits. Everybody is leaving with a free coat and also a tote bag.”

Volunteers from Downy and Meijer helped students find the right size and preferred coat color.

Fourth grader Carter Mweene was flexible about that.

“Red, but I said blue would work because it’s my second favorite color.

Classmate Natalie was happy with hers, too.

“I think it’s good.I like the color too – coral and black.”

Brew says Operation Warm is committed to easing financial strain on local families and guaranteeing every child can stay warm and active outdoors this winter.

“Providing them with that warmth and comfort and letting them know there are people out there that do care about you.”

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