Fifty kids who live in the Arlington Neighborhood have new winter coats, courtesy of the Boston Bruins Foundation, with personal “styling” provided by Methuen firefighters and former Bruin Bob Sweeney.
“The program is called Operation Warm where we partner with the Bruins Foundation; we buy coats that are made right here in Charlestown, Massachusetts,” explained Rich Mackinnon, president of the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts. “This is our third stop of the year. We started in Pittsfield, then we went to Taunton and now Methuen. We’ve been doing it about 12 years. It’s a great partnership with the Bruins Foundation, it’s a great partnership with our local firefighters. Our firefighters love doing it – giving back to the community. Our firefighters get as much out of it as the kids do.”
The Boston Bruins Foundation is a non-profit that collaborates with charitable organizations, like MAN Inc., that demonstrate a commitment to health and wellness, education and athletics.
Fifty jackets, along with hats and gloves, were passed out by Fire Chief Tim Sheehy and Methuen firefighters. Firefighters assisted children with trying on their new jackets to get the right fit, then wrote each child’s name inside the coat and as kids picked out new hats and gloves.
Former Boston Bruin forward Bob Sweeney joined in helping children pick out a new jacket.
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- Fire Chief Tim Sheehy helps Bella try on her new coat to get the right fit as Rich Mackinnon, Methuen’s Assistant Chief Mike Fluet and members of the Bruins Foundation look on.
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- Joshua watches as Firefighter Eric Moreau writes Joshua’s name inside his new jacket.
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- Former Boston Bruins forward (1986-’92) Bob Sweeney and his new friend Dylan get ready to pick out a jacket, courtesy of Operation Warm which is done in collaboration with the Boston Bruins Foundation and the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts. ML photos by Nancy Reardon
