11/12/2025
11-12-2025 @ 2:55 pm
******MEDIA RELEASE******
JME
10, November 2025
From: Director
To: Local and Regional Media Outlets
Subj: MEDIA RELEASE (OPERATION JAMMIES & JACKETS)
Ref: None
Encl: (1) Event Flyer
The Cocke County Emergency Management Agency is announcing the following:
Narrative from The Director: This morning I took a meeting at The Emergency Operations Center with Representatives from Newport Grammar and Cocke County Schools Family Resource Centers. I am concerned about the state of our students as briefed by our Schools Family Resource Directors.
You have heard me in the past asking each of us to “Look in on your neighbors” or “Check on your elderly and disabled neighbors” or “Take care of one another”. I have placed emphasis on our “most vulnerable” in times of crisis, and out of ignorance have overlooked a third component to our communities most vulnerable; our children. I am being educated on the issues and am coming off the bench and getting into the fight with these dedicated people.
We have children going to bed at night without something warm to wear. We have children arriving at school in shorts and T-Shirts. We have children not prepared to brave the elements and because of this a state of emergency exists within our county.
In cooperation with Newport Grammar, Cocke County Schools, and The She Rises Foundation, we are launching “Operation Jammies & Jackets” with a lofty yet achievable goal to put jammies and jackets on every child that otherwise may go without.
What is needed: New and in all sizes both children and adult
Pajama tops and bottoms Socks
Coats Winter Hats
Gloves Hand and feet Warmers
Launch Date: November 12, 2025
End Date: December 12, 2025
Drop off Locations:
The Emergency Operations Center: 120 Fairground Circle Newport, TN. 37821-POC Joe Esway
Cocke County Fire Department: 120 Fairground Circle Newport, TN. 37821-POC Chief Cody Keys
The Cocke County Courthouse: 111 Court Avenue Newport, TN. 37821-POC Macie Reed
CC Schools Family Resource Center: 305 Hendrick Drive Newport, TN. 37821-POC Diana Samples
NGS Family Resource Center: 301 College Street Newport, TN. 37821-POC Amy Messer
The Mustard Seed: 331 Cosby Highway Newport, TN. 37821-POC Captain Walter Cross
Parrottsville VFD: 2059 Old Parrottsville Highway Parrottsville, TN. 37843-POC Chief Jacob Henry
What we are asking is that while you are out shopping locally at Walmart, Marshalls, or other locations in and around our area that you pick up a pair of jammies, a warm coat, a multipack of socks, or a few hats or gloves and drop them at one of the locations listed above. We will make daily trips to the Family Resource Directors, and these items will go home with the children that need them immediately.
If you prefer to shop online, you may order your items and have them shipped to The Emergency Operations Center to be added with items at this collection point.
CCEMA: Attn. Joe Esway
120 Fairground Circle
Newport, TN. 37821
Ms. Reed and I have heard heartbreaking stories about children right here in Cocke County who are braving the cold every day and every night. Our School Human Resource Directors care for hundreds of kids every day and they sure could use our help right now. It is my intention to “Lean In” on this campaign so if you see me coming and don’t wannna have a conversation about it, turn and go in another direction. We will be reaching out to corporate partners, elected officials, Marines I have served with, and anyone who will listen to include my massive Italian family in northeast Ohio.
Please join us in making sure no child of Cocke County is cold this winter.
Thank You!
-J.M. Esway
