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."