Auto foundation gifts city kids with new coats

CENTER CITY (WPVI) -- It was an exciting day for Stearne Elementary School students.

The Auto Dealers Caring for Kids Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Philadelphia Auto Show, began giving out coats Wednesday, just in time for the fall season.

Volunteers fit every child, and helped them find a coat in their size and color.

"It's my favorite color, and I'm going to wear it in the winter," said Samira Cunningham.

"They are so cute. I'm dealing with little girls," said volunteer Chris Craig. "As the mother of sons, it's fun to have little girls."

In the next month, the auto dealers will give away more than 42,000 coats to kids in need. Of those, 7,000 will go to 10 Philadelphia schools.

"In Philadelphia, in the five-county area, there's about half a million kids that live in the poverty level, and it's an opportunity for us to give them a nice, warm coat," said Michael Chapman of Auto Dealers Caring for Kids Foundation.

Temperatures were in the upper 60s, but it looked like it was freezing in the Convention Center as the students, jumping with joy, couldn't wait to put on their new coats - even buttoning up their hoods.

"It's comfortable and it's warm," said Kaylah Tarboro.

"It's warm and fuzzy on the inside and cold on the outside," said Joshua Padgett.

It was a special gift these kids were grateful to receive.

"Thank you," said Najir Perez.