Schools Rule: Group provides warmth for Lansing students

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - The Lansing School District is celebrating this morning after receiving 2,000 coats for their students. The coats were donated to the school by a local group.

During the 2020-21 school year, the Lansing School District had 2,000 unfilled coat requests.

But coats weren’t the only thing needed. The district also reported 800 unfilled shoe requests.

When AF Group, a local worker’s comp organization, learned students in Lansing didn’t have what they needed to stay warm, they knew they had to do something.

“During these cold times, like today, children need to feel like they have a coat so they can go to school and thrive,” said Sarah Garcia of AF Group.

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Inspired by operation warm, a program that provides coats and winter gear to children in need, AF Group decided to start a mission of their own.

And Garcia says that’s exactly what they did.

“We’re so happy to be here today to see the children’s, parents and to provide some warmth and happiness.”

The group matched the school’s need - supplying 2,000 coats to students in grades K-3. The group distributed the coats this week.

But Garcia says for students that don’t have a coat, receiving one can provide more than warmth.

“It’s very important that everyone has an opportunity to have a warm coat and to feel loved and to share that with everyone.”

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