Operation Warm Coats

Christmas came early today for children at eight local pre-schools.

It was the 10th annual PNC Bank Operation Warm Coats.

Over the next couple of weeks, PNC will distribute about 1300 coats all around Northwestern Pennsylvania.

Teachers say many of the children did not have proper winter clothing.

So the coats, hats and mittens are badly needed.

And the kids enjoyed ripping open the packages today to try on their new outfits.

The bank has handed out about 9,000 winter coats since the program began.

PNC Bank Regional President Jim Stevenson said, "Our young people represent the future of this region. So anything we can do to help them, particularly during a harsh winter, is the right thing to do."

Jackie Wassell of the St. Martin Early Learning Center said, "This is a fantastic opportunity. I know a lot of our parents struggle purchasing some of these items. So this is going to help them so much."

The PNC Foundation paid for the winter coats.

Bank employees raised money to buy the hats and mittens for the children.

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