Bruceville-Eddy ISD receives grant to provide free coats for students

BRUCEVILLE-EDDY, Texas (FOX 44) — Students in Bruceville-Eddy Independent School District will head into the winter months a little warmer thanks to a grant from Operation Warm, a nonprofit that provides resources to help children thrive.

The grant allowed the district to distribute free coats and jackets to all students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The event was held from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., drawing smiles from students and gratitude from teachers and volunteers.

Superintendent Richard Kilgore said the support reflects the community’s close-knit nature.

“That’s what small rural schools are all about, that building, that relationship,” Kilgore said. “The families, the community, and the school all have to be together. It is exciting that we can actually take care of one of those basic needs that everybody has, because unfortunately, it is going to get cold. We don’t like that cold weather in Texas.”

Volunteers emphasized that the program represents more than just new clothing. They said Operation Warm helps ensure students and their families feel seen and supported.

Misty Fleetes, a reading intervention specialist for the district, said the school applied for the grant and was overwhelmed when notified they had been selected.