New York Cares partners with New York Yankees to bring warmth to Bronx students at annual coat drive – Bronx Times
Amidst a recent cold front, elementary school students in the Bronx received a welcome boost of warmth and cheer thanks to a collaborative effort between New York Cares and the New York Yankees. The 37th annual coat drive took place at the shared campus of Lucero Elementary School PS 311 and Walton Avenue School PS 294.
Providing Warmth to Those in Need
New York Cares specifically targeted this community due to the significant number of students from families experiencing temporary housing, recent immigrant households, and those eligible for Title I funding. The timing of the event followed a snowstorm that had recently impacted New York City, making the need for warm winter wear even more critical.
The event wasn’t simply a coat distribution; it was designed to be a positive experience for the students, who range from 3K to 5K. Children decorated paper bags for their new coats with stickers and drawings while enjoying music played by a DJ. They also created thank you cards for the donors.
Community Collaboration
The New York Yankees contributed to the event by providing promotional magazines. Brian Smith, the Senior Vice President of Corporate and Media Relations for the Yankees, stated that seeing the smiling faces of 600 local youths receiving coats was “especially important on a day where it’s 13° outside.”
Superintendent of Community School District 9, Harry Sherman, oversaw the coat drive and emphasized the importance of making it more than just a distribution event. He explained the goal was to show students they are seen, loved, and supported, fostering a sense of community.
A Year-Long Partnership
Sherman also highlighted the year-long partnership between the Yankees and District 9, which includes STEM expos and chess tournaments at Yankee Stadium. Students like Yusuf Tunkara from PS 294 expressed the importance of the initiative, noting that “Money can be tight so it’s going to be hard to buy a jacket.” Jonaliz Quezada Lora, from PS 311, shared her joy in matching her new coat to her boots and appreciated the opportunity for the two schools to celebrate together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What schools participated in the coat drive?
Lucero Elementary School PS 311 and Walton Avenue School PS 294 both participated in the coat drive.
Who organized the coat drive?
New York Cares, in partnership with the New York Yankees, organized the 37th annual coat drive.
How many students received coats?
As a result of the effort, 600 local youths received coats.
As communities continue to grapple with affordability challenges, initiatives like this coat drive offer a tangible demonstration of support and a reminder of the power of collective action.