Chesco students get new coats

DELAWARE COUNTY

Chester students get new coats

CHESTER Chester Upland elementary students came home with more than homework on Tuesday. Each got a new winter coat, donated by the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation.

The philanthropic arm of the Philly Auto Show is distributing some 37,000 coats to needy students throughout the region during October. Seventy-two auto dealers teamed with Chester Upland, where 89 percent of students live in poverty, to donate 2,200 coats - one for every elementary school student - as well as a $5,000 check to support the district's new uniform bank, which will provide school uniforms to students who can't afford them.

Students tried on coats for two hours at Main Street Elementary School in Upland. In addition to school officials, State Rep. Thaddeus Kirkland (D., Delaware) and Chester Mayor John Linder were on hand to help students pick out their coats. - Kathy Boccella