The Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police kicked off its 6th annual Coats for Kids drive on Sunday in Northeast Philadelphia.
Coach purses were up for grabs during a bingo game played during the kickoff event with some 350 members and supporters of the FOP Lodge #5.
"We got into the city and deliver coats to kids who need coats, whether it be a shelter or a home, the centers they have, the schools that know, DHS, whoever knows. We deliver these coats after November," said event co-chair Donna Giulian.
"It's extremely important, especially in this economy. People can't always afford the extra little things, they have to put food on the table," said event co-chair Kathe Rowan.
Guests who donated new children's hats and coats were given extra bingo cards.
Meanwhile, proceeds from a 50/50 drawing were donated to the family of Officer Ed Davies, who was shot and wounded while trying to subdue a suspect at a corner store back in August.
An additional raffle was held for another Coach purse. Those proceeds went to the children of Officer Michelle Winkis. The 42-year-old mother of three died suddenly last month. She had been on the force for 23 years.
This was the first year the FOP Auxiliary has run the charity event. In the past, it was the FOP members themselves.
But clearly, this is a group with a proven history of helping others.
"It makes the city know what the cops really do. They're out there every day, we're here behind them and we're just trying to help," said Giulian.
The coat drive runs through November 1st, and organizers are asking for new items only.
For more information, visit www.FOP5Auxiliary.org or the FOP 5 Auxiliary Facebook page.
