From the Chicago Housing Authority's press release:
The Chicago Housing Authority partnered with national non-profit Operation Warm for the 15th year Saturday at UIC Forum to give away 5,000 new winter coats to children living in public housing and participants of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program.
There was also a resource fair with 24 organizations offering services and giveaways, including Molina Healthcare; ComEd, Shea Moisture, T-Mobile, Aetna Better Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Pepsico, AT&T, Comcast and RSM. The Chicago Department of Public Health also provided free COVID-19 and flu shots.
On hand were Mayor Lori Lightfoot, CHA CEO Tracey Scott, CHA Board Chairwoman Angela Hurlock and Operation Warm Partnership Director Richard Lalley.
Mayor Lightfoot said: “It’s always a great opportunity to be here at Operation Warm. Not only will you get warm coats for all of your kids, there are so many other important resources that are here to take advantage of. What you should know and take away from this event is that your city loves and supports you. I want you to feel that there are people all over the city who are invested in you, so you can live a life that is vibrant, safe and supportive. CHA is one of the most important institutions in our city. I know how committed CHA employees and volunteers are, and I know how much you care about residents, family, and community, so thank you so much for your service and sacrifice.”
CEO Scott thanked Operation Warm for all the great work it does. In 15 years, CHA has distributed 116,000 coats to 33,000 families.
“We’ve given out coats, we’ve given out athletic shoes to families that need them, and it’s been a great partnership. I also want to point out one particular family that really is in need, and that is the family of Lawanda Franklin. She lives in CHA with her children. Talking to Ms. Franklin, she said that this was such a needed service, especially when it gets cold. She says she is blessed to receive any form of help. And we are happy to provide it.”