Auto Dealers Caring for Kids Foundation distributes thousands of coats to local children

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Thousands of local kids are getting much-needed help ahead of winter.

The Auto Dealers Caring for Kids Foundation kicked off their annual Driving Away the Cold coat drive Wednesday morning at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Center City, where they handed out 4,000 winter coats to Philadelphia School District students.

"It's fluffy and it's cute and I love the color pink," said 8-year-old Malajah.

Throughout its 18-year run, the Auto dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia has given away 700,000 warm coats.

"You know, that it's giving the family a break, one less thing to worry about. That's really what the program is, the essence of it," said Executive Director Mike Gempp. "To get to be able to see somebody get the coats, enjoy the coats, understand that the coat is now theirs."

The program includes 165 area auto dealers who are teaming up to fundraise and help area children stay warm this winter.

The Auto Dealers will distribute more than 25,000 new coats throughout the month of October for kids across the entire five-county region of Greater Philadelphia.

The School District of Philadelphia says this gift impacts student attendance on those frigid cold days.

"This is central to our education process and teaching and educating the total student," said Philadelphia School District Deputy of operations, Oz Hill.

"I chose blue and black hoodie because blue is my favorite color and black stands out with my uniform with the dark blue," said 9-year-old Nova.