A new coat to zip up for some North Philadelphia kids was cause for a spring in their step and a whole lot of smiles.
"Our coats are so cute and nice and pretty," said one happy little girl.
Indeed on a freezing cold day the need for new winter coats for these children seems magnified.
Through a partnership between Operation Warm and the Salvation Army, 15,000 brand new winter coats are being given out across the greater Philadelphia area.
"We believe that a new winter coat helps not only to keep the kids healthy and able to learn, but also provides support and strengthens self esteem," said Cydney Dasent.
"In this specific community, you have a lot of families and a lot of low income families, so it is good that Operation Warm comes," said Major Israel Acosta of the Salvation Army Tabernacle Corp.
There were plenty of colors to choose from, and many of the recipients among the boys and girls received Christmas toys from the Salvation Army.
A new winter coat for little Diana Downs is a major help for her grandmother.
"There are no jobs, and I'm lucky I work part-time. I feel good she got this coat, she was lucky enough to get it," said Carol Downs.
Hundreds of children walked away with a coat today, but this is just the start. In all 3,000 coats were dropped off at this community center.
There are 11 different centers distributing coats to kids in the Greater Philadelphia area.
To learn more, click the link below.
www.SalvationArmyPhiladelphia.org.