(Memphis) Christmas came early for the 314 students at A.B. Hill Elementary, all paid for by Memphis Grizzlies star Zach Randolph.
“It just feels comfortable and nice and wonderful colors,” said third-grader Aneshia Jones.
Jones says the coat will help her stay warm as the temperature drops.
“It’s getting chilly and I think we need a warm jacket. A nice warm jacket,” said Jones.
This is the second year in a row MPD is providing coats to Shelby County students.
Officer Joseph Majors says he got the idea for the giveaway because he patrols the school areas.
“We noticed how many children were walking to school with no coats so we took it upon ourselves to give back to the community,” said Majors.
This year Memphis Police are also providing more than 300 coats to the children at Georgia Avenue Elementary School.
Each year the police department chooses a different school, and A. B. Hill School Counselor Richard Horner Jr. it’s a blessing they were chosen this year.
“I deal with student uniforms daily as a part of my job, so I know students are in need of winter coats. Especially with the change of temperature,” said Horner.
For Memphis Police giving hundreds of coats away does more than keep children warm.
School leaders say this is the first experience many students will have with police officers are trying to make sure make a warm impression.
“A lot of time students are afraid of the police officers, and we need them to know they are a resource and can be helpful to them,” said Horner.
Horne hopes students learn from Z-Bo and the police department’s generosity as we kick off the season of giving.