On Friday, November 18, 2022, the International WeLoveU Foundation partnered with the Manhattan Borough President’s office to donate winter coats and accessories to 120 students at P.S. 111 Adolph S. Ochs in New York, NY. Attendees included NY State Senator Brad Hoylman, Deputy Manhattan Borough President Keisha Sutton-James, and Councilmember Erik Bottcher. Principal Edward Gilligan and Community Coordinator Vivian Rosario helped WeLoveU distribute donations to the families. In preparation for the donation event, WeLoveU volunteers held clothing drives at their workplaces, like Seven Bridges Advisors and Medical Offices of Manhattan, to name a few. Donations are also being carried out in four other locations this month; Washington, D.C., New Jersey, New York, and Chicago.   

Deputy Manhattan Borough President Keisha Sutton-James, who attended WeLoveU’s Packs on Backs donation event in the fall, expressed her excitement. “We were very excited from the Borough President’s office to partner with WeLoveU because we know how amazing the work that they do is and how organized, and how giving. We did an event with WeLoveU in the fall in giving out backpacks, and immediately, I asked what else can we do together to help serve more people on the island of Manhattan. They’re a terrific partner.”

Warming the Hearts of New York City

On Friday afternoon, volunteers began setting up the school auditorium before the families arrived for the assembly at 3:30 p.m. It involved setting up clothing racks, blowing up balloons, and organizing the coats by grade. Principal Gilligan and Coordinator Rosario described the volunteers as “full of energy, happy and excited to be there, and exuberant.” During the event, the principal called each grade up to receive their winter clothing. All the coats contained each of the students’ names as well as a heartfelt note in the pocket.

Councilmember Erik Bottcher added, “Kids cannot learn if they don’t have their basic needs met like proper housing, food, and clothes. Thank you to the International WeLoveU Foundation, and I can’t think of anything more important than supporting young people in our world during this time.” After trying on their new coats, families received a COVID safety kit from the Manhattan Borough President’s office.

Senator Brad Hoylman assisted in the winter coat distribution along with the principal and staff. He said, “I am very impressed with the WeLoveU Foundation [and] how they partner with government, in this case, our Manhattan Borough President, and makes certain that the kids who are in need get the help that they and their families are looking for.”

WeLoveU volunteer Jessica LoGreco shared words of encouragement with the families in attendance. “We are here in hopes to not only warm your bodies during the cold winter but also to warm your hearts. We want you to know that in addition to your families caring very much about you and your schoolteachers and leaders, many people in the community also care about you.”

What Statistics Show

About 30% of children in fourth grade or younger are living below the poverty line in New York City. The National Center for Homeless Education reported 1.5 million students in public school districts experience homelessness each year. With the winter weather approaching, children are more susceptible to developing hypothermia or infections like pneumonia. The winter season can also be expensive for families, and the economic crisis has exacerbated people’s budgets.

“This year’s coat drive is needed now more than ever,” expressed Carly Adames, a volunteer coordinator of WeLoveU educational programs. “Countless families are feeling the economic burdens caused by the rapid rise in inflation. WeLoveU hopes to alleviate that burden even a little bit and is committed to keeping children warm this winter.”