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Portsmouth Public Library, Operation Warm team up to provide coats, books to preschoolers

Posted at 4:02 PM, Nov 29, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-29 16:02:16-05

PORTSMOUTH, Va. - Preschoolers in Portsmouth received a warm welcome this month.

On November 21, the Portsmouth Public Library partnered with the nonprofit Operation Warm to present "A Warm Welcome to the Library." During the drive-thru event at Main Library on Court Street, 63 children from Portsmouth Public Schools’ Mount Hermon, Olive Branch and Churchland Preschool Centers each received a book and a coat, along with other items.

The event was sponsored by Towne Bank, The Portsmouth Public Library Foundation and The Friends of the Portsmouth Public Library.

The Portsmouth Fire Department supported the program by providing fire safety information as well as direct assistance at the event by delivering coats to families in their cars. The Portsmouth Health Department also provided items for distribution.

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“We were very excited to provide coats and books to families,” said Rachel Enrich, Youth Services Librarian. “In addition, we are very appreciative of all of the community support we received for the event. We hope that the kids enjoy their coats and books and return to the library to check-out materials and participate in programs when we reopen.”

According to its website, Operation Warm "provides warmth, confidence and hope to children in need through the gift of brand-new winter coats."