E. Norriton, Pa., July 31, 2008 – The Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation announces its donation of 10,000 new winter coats to Operation Warm, an organization that provides coats to children living in poverty throughout Pennsylvania, as well as nationwide. This donation marks the first of many philanthropic activities that will take place as part of the organizations’ joint-program titled Driving Away the Cold.
“It’s estimated that every 35 seconds a child is born into poverty in the United States and more than 2.7 million children in Pennsylvania alone are already living in poverty,” said Kevin Mazzucola, executive director of the Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia (ADAGP) and Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation. “When we learned of these statistics and the growing need in our surrounding region, we knew we wanted to get involved immediately.”
Specifically, the 10,000 coats donated by the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation will be distributed this fall to those who are less fortunate and live in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.
“A warm winter coat is one of the most requested items by schools and social services agencies,” said Kim Fremont Fortunato, president of Operation Warm. “This donation will warm the hearts of many children all across the region and, on behalf of those children, Operation Warm thanks the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation for getting involved and helping us make a difference.”
Since its inception in 1998, Operation Warm has distributed more than $15 million worth of new winter coats to children living in poverty. Its vision is that every child should have a new winter coat, be healthy, attend school regularly and have strong self-esteem. More information on the organization can be found at www.operationwarm.org.
“We are dedicated to supporting Operation Warm, as well as the people, places and services of our great region—especially in times of need,” added Mazzucola. “The thought of a child not having a warm coat to wear during the winter months in our area is inconceivable—and we’re focused on changing that.”