The Maydole Hose Company added the Stanford J. Gibson Primary School to the list of organizations they support. The company provided $500 for school staff to purchase winter coats, boots, hats, and gloves for students that need it. Pictured are School Psychologist Leslie Marino, School Social Worker Amber Oliver, Social Worker Jessica Button, Maydole Hose Company President Pat Ford, Maydole Hose Company Vice President Steve Crawford, Gibson Building Principal Jennifer Oliver, Student Success Coordinator Alyssa Law-Scheer. (Photo by Sarah Genter)

NORWICH — The Maydole Hose Company, one of four volunteer fire companies in the City of Norwich, has long supported several events and activities both in the area and beyond.

Recently, the organization donated $500 to the Stanford J. Gibson Primary School in Norwich, to be used by staff to purchase winter coats, boots, hats, and gloves for students who need them.

"Things are so expensive, and some of these kids you see them around, they don’t have what they need. So we brought it up at our December annual meeting and voted on it, and I’m glad we did," said Maydole Hose Company President Pat Ford. "We give them the money, it has to go through the school board, and then they go and purchase. They have a list of kids who need it."

The Maydole Hose Co. also provides annual donations to the Easter Egg Hunts in downtown Norwich parks, the After Prom Party, Little League, Norwich Youth Football, Firemen’s Home on the Hudson, Tunnels to Towers, St. Baldrick’s, and many others.

Hose Co. members also tend to the graves of former members around Memorial Day each year, replacing American flags and metal grave markers. Last year the organization replaced approximately 90 flags and eight markers.

While the Norwich Hose Co. has supported many events, groups, and activities throughout their 135-year history, their donation to Gibson School was a new one this year. However, Ford said he anticipates they will continue to donate to the school in years to come.

"This is our first time doing it, $500 for the apparel," he said. "This was an addition, this one we’ve never done before. But we’ll probably continue it, we can’t cut it out now."