LOWELL — Retired Lowell firefighter Larry Finn delivered almost 500 winter coats last week to unhoused public-school students. The coats are just in time as temperatures are now forecast to drop into the low 20s.
Finn spent all 28 of his firefighting years at the JFK Civic Center station on Moody St. The Lowell native is one of 13 children born to Mickey and Ann Finn, and he remembers how happy he was to receive a new winter coat from an aunt each winter. Every October, along with some of his firefighter colleagues, Finn organizes a winter coat giveaway for adults and children at the firehouse.
Additionally, in honor of his mother, who died in 2008, Finn founded a nonprofit called Coats from Ann Above. Using funds donated to the organization, he buys winter coats for unhoused students in the Lowell Public Schools.
“We work through school social workers to identify the kids in need,” he said. “They’re in a motel or hotel, or some other temporary housing situation, and a brand-new coat makes them feel better.”
A 2019 report found 982 unhoused students in Lowell, a 20% increase over 2018.
The number now stands at 1,457 students — a staggering 67% increase since 2019. Ten percent of the overall student population have identified as homeless in the 2021-2022 school year, according to report from Chief Equity and Engagement Officer Latifah Phillips with Superintendent of Schools Joel Boyd’s office.
Finn said that figure motivates him to do even more, and each year the nonprofit’s outreach exceeds the previous year’s goal.
“This was the most successful year we’ve ever had,” he said. “We bought 450 brand-new winter coats for kids in the Lowell Public Schools.”
More than 350 coats bought from Kohl’s were delivered to unhoused elementary school students last week, with 13 — in honor of his parents’ 13 children — donated to St. Patrick School, his dad’s alma mater.
“We bought almost 100 coats for unhoused kids in high school,” Finn said. “They got to order through REI.”
All told, Finn says the nonprofit spent $15,000 on winter coats.
“I’m happy to be able to spend the money that people have given us, and glad to see that these young kids have coats on their backs,” Finn said.
Financial donations to Coats from Ann Above are accepted all year, and can be dropped off at the Moody Street firehouse, the Firefighter Credit Union or any Enterprise Bank.
- Advertisement -
