Staying warm for winter got a whole lot more exciting for a group of kids when two members of the New York Giants handed out more than 130 new winter coats to children in need at the YMCA of Newark & Vicinity in New Jersey. Defensive backs Sean Chandler and Antonio Hamilton volunteered their time, along with dozens of UnitedHealthcare employees, to give the kids a day they’ll never forget with new coats and a meet and greet.
“I come from very humble beginnings,” Hamilton said. “Growing up, I went from house to house, shelter to shelter, actually. I just know how special it is to have a coat during the wintertime.”
Chandler and Hamilton were joined by Paul Marden, UnitedHealthcare of New Jersey CEO, Michael Bright, president of the YMCA of Newark & Vicinity and city of Newark Central Ward Council Member LaMonica McIver.
The group spoke to a crowded gymnasium full of families, before the kids lined up to pick out their coats. During the event, the kids were able to chat with the football players, who posed for pictures and helped the kids pick out which coat they wanted to take home.
“Our mission is to help people live healthier lives and staying warm during the winter plays a critical part in staying healthy,” Marden said. “We are privileged as a company to be able to give back to our local community. I hope these coats go a long way this winter.”
More than 100 members of the YMCA of Newark and Vicinity attended the event, meeting the Giants players and receiving new coats which were donated and funded by UnitedHealthcare.