Event kicks off distribution of more than 37,000 new coats to low-income youth throughout Greater Philadelphia area in October.
EAST NORRITON, Pa.– The Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation in October will distribute more than 37,000 new winter coats to underprivileged children in the five-county Philadelphia region through its Driving Away the Cold program. The Foundation kicks off month-long distribution activities October 2 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, where approximately 6,000 new coats will be distributed to elementary students in the School District of Philadelphia.
“For the past seven years, 172 competing new vehicle dealerships have teamed up to ensure students are warm and arrive to school healthy and prepared to learn,” said Kevin Mazzucola, executive director of the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation. “This year the Driving Away the Cold program will help more kids than ever thanks to the generosity of our Dealer Members. In one month, we will deliver more than 37,000 brand-new winter coats to children who need them most.”
Developed in January 2008 by the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation, the Driving Away the Cold program is a philanthropic initiative with one important mission: to provide new winter coats to underprivileged children living in the five-county region of Philadelphia. The coats are raised through a special month-long program when participating franchised dealers pledge a brand-new winter coat each time a vehicle is sold at their dealerships.
Throughout October, new winter coats will be distributed to local children through a network of YMCAs, social service agencies, school districts, homeless shelters and more. Since 2008, the Foundation has donated 140,252 new coats. In 2013, the Foundation set a record when it donated 31,302 coats in one year and it will surpass this record in 2014. The Foundation will announce the exact number of coats being donated this year at the event on October 2.
“We hear from social service providers and schools that a warm winter coat is one of the most requested items from families,” Mazzucola said. “For many children, this is the only new article of clothing they will receive this year and we believe it will not only warm their body and souls throughout the winter, but it will give them confidence.”
The Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation extends its gratitude to Chester County-based Operation Warm, which helps secure the amount of pledged coats through its respective coat suppliers. For a full list of participating dealers or to learn more about the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation and the difference it is making in its communities, please visit www.caringforkids.com.
Leave a Comment