DAYTON, Ohio — As we head into the coldest months of the year, one organization in Dayton is giving veterans the gift of warmth.

What You Need To Know

  • Montgomery County Veterans Service Commission provided 1,000 coats for veterans in the Miami Valley

  • This is a first-ever event, but MCVSC hopes to make it an annual event

  • Coats may still be available for Veterans in Dayton after the event

The Montgomery County Veterans Service Commission gave out 1,000 coats to veterans in the Miami Valley on Friday. Executive Director Kim Frisco said it was a special day for the vets and the organization.

“We know that 2020 has been a hard hitting year for our community, and especially our veterans,” Frisco said. “We want to help our veterans and keep them warm this winter.” 

Retired Army E-4 Daniel Jones said it means so much.

“It just feels good to know that someone cares about veterans,” Jones said. 

The coat giveaway was initially delayed due to COVID-19, but Frisco said it was a very important initiative — one she hopes can become an annual tradition.

“If we don’t give them all away today, we’ll continue giving them away through this winter,” she said. “And hopefully we’ll be back here again next year.” 

She said it’s just a small token of appreciation, but for Vietnam War Veteran James A. Russell, it goes a long way.

“It makes me feel good because back then, I didn’t get the welcome home like a lot of guys do right now,” Russell said. “This is like a continuance of getting that welcome home.” 

The Veterans Service Commission is also helping in other ways, too. 

“They’ve been very helpful over the years. They help with food, rental assistance and utilities and things of that nature,” Jones said. “They’ve been a huge help.” 

Frisco said it’s their honor to do so. 

“We will help you any way that we can.” 

For more information visit their website: https://mcvsc.org