More than 200 PHA children will stay warm this winter with new coats and hats donated by Operation Warm and PHA. After picking out a coat, kids were also able to enjoy hot chocolate, cookies and a free toy, which helped to make the season bright. During the next few weeks, a total of 500 coats will be given out to children to help fend off Old Man Winter.

(Philadelphia, PA - December 21, 2012) - Five hundred public housing schoolchildren will stay warm this winter thanks to a winter coat giveaway sponsored by the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA).

PHA partnered with Operation Warm, one of the nation's largest non-profit providers of brand-new winter coats, to hold the giveaway, which benefited children in need just in time for the holidays. 

Families facing financial hardship were invited to a festive event held at PHA's John F. Street Community Center in North Philadelphia. Children had the opportunity to try out coats in a variety of styles and colors and select the perfect coat for themselves.

Beyond warmth - one of the most basic necessities - PHA and Operation Warm hope a new coat will bring pride to children and relief for struggling families during this holiday season.

"It's very heartening to see our children so happy during the holidays and to know that PHA contributed in this season of giving," said PHA Interim Executive Director Kelvin Jeremiah. "We're thrilled to be able to hold events like this to support PHA families."

"We want to ensure that kids from our developments are prepared and have what they need. The coat giveaway directly impacts a child's ability to regularly attend school and also alleviates a financial burden on the family," said PHA's Deputy Executive Director for Resident and Community Services Dr. Samuel Little. "It's partnerships with great organizations like Operation Warm which make all of this possible."