Operation Warm and New York City Clothing Bank

New York City Clothing Bank and Operation Warm — Along with Staten Island Chuck — Team Up to Distribute Winter Gear to Bronx Children It's Groundhog Day All Over Again for Students at Icahn Charter School 1 in the Bronx NEW YORK, February 3, 2011— New York City Clothing Bank partnered with Operation Warm today to give the gift of warm winter coats, hats and gloves to high-performing K-4th grade students at Icahn Charter School 1 in the Bronx. "Although Staten Island Chuck didn't see his shadow yesterday morning, we cannot rely on the prognosticative powers of a groundhog to determine that winter is coming to an early end — especially in light of recent record-breaking snowfalls, said Anita Burns, Director of NYC Clothing Bank. "That's why we're delighted to join forces with Operation Warm to help needy children in our City stay warm this season." More than 150 students had the opportunity to choose brand new coats, gloves and hats in the size and color of their choice, handed out by a giant 6 foot replica of New York's favorite groundhog, Staten Island Chuck, who paid a surprise visit to adoring students at Icahn Charter School 1 after being "grounded" in Staten Island yesterday due to inclement weather. Children attending Icahn Charter School 1 achieve at a significantly higher level on New York State exams, with scores well above the district, city and state averages. This coat drive is part of NYC Clothing Bank's ongoing mission to assist New Yorkers in need by donating new, never-worn apparel and by providing job skills and warehouse training to persons in recovery to assist them in becoming self-supporting, taxpaying members of our City. Click the following link to view event photos: NYC Clothing Bank Coat Drive 2011 About New York City Clothing Bank Created in 1986 as a mayoral initiative under Mayor Ed Koch and now managed by Peter Young Housing, Industries & Treatment, New York City Clothing Bank is the only program in New York City to distribute new, never-worn clothing and merchandise to those in need. In addition to annually distributing up to $10 million worth of new apparel, toys and other goods, New York City Clothing Bank is active in New York's emergency response initiatives and has launched its own warehouse training program. For more information on New York City Clothing Bank, visit http://www.newyorkcityclothingbank.org. About Operation Warm Operation Warm is one of the nation's largest non-profit providers of new winter coats for children in need. Through its core values of accountability, excellence, integrity, innovation, respect and teamwork, Operation Warm strives to accomplish its mission and live up to its vision: Every child wearing a new winter coat is healthy, able to attend school regularly, and has strong self-esteem. Since its inception in 1998, more than 600,000 children have received the gift of warmth. For more information about Operation Warm visit http://www.operationwarm.org.