Hilco Global announced a donation of new winter coats and winter accessories to underserved communities in Chicago, Philadelphia, and Boston totaling over $1,020,000 in retail value.
The “Hilco Helps Warm the Winter” initiative is part of Hilco’s ongoing global philanthropic program, "Hilco Helps," supporting causes and not-for-profit organizations that seek to enhance the lives and maximize the potential of the world’s most important assets: human assets.
Over 6,000 new winter coats for men, women, and children, and more than 3,000 winter accessories, including scarves, headbands, gloves, and hats, will be delivered through the “Warm the Winter” Hilco Helps initiative the week of December 14. Teams of Hilco employees serving as local “Hilco Helpers” will work hand-in-hand with local city leaders, charities, churches, and community groups, as well as other non-profit organizations in Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia, to manage the careful distribution of thousands of winter gear items during the global pandemic.
“A core value at Hilco Global is giving back to those less fortunate. Now, more than ever, we must come together and support the communities that have been badly hurt by the medical and economic damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Jeffrey B. Hecktman, CEO and Founder of Hilco Global. “Our ‘Hilco Helps Warm the Winter’ initiative will provide critical cold weather clothing and accessories to communities in dire need this holiday season, and we are thrilled to partner with local city leaders and community groups to do our part.”
In Chicago, Hilco has coordinated directly with over 40 local community groups across dozens of neighborhoods, including the following: It Takes A Village, Metropolitan Family Services, Holy Family Ministries, El Hogar Del Nino, and more (see full list attached); in Philadelphia, the team worked directly with the Community Schools team in the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Children and Families; and, in Boston, the team collaborated with the Friends of Boston Homeless Shelters and St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children. Each non-profit organization benefiting from the donation is coordinating the distribution of winter coats and gear with community members who need it most. Distribution will begin December 14 and continue through Christmas, with additional detail about city-specific distribution plans to come.
“Philanthropy is a huge part of our global corporate culture at Hilco Global,” said Gary Epstein, Executive Vice President – CMO. “I’m so thankful for the many willing partners helping us ‘warm the winter’ for families in Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia,” continued Epstein, who manages the company’s Hilco Helps initiatives. “Each of our Hilco Helps programs seeks to improve the lives of those in need (often children) in underserved communities that require assistance to maximize their full potential. Over the years, Hilco has provided millions of dollars of support (through in-kind donations, direct donations, and marketing efforts/sponsorship) to non-profit groups doing outstanding work.”
“As we continue to navigate the challenges created by COVID-19, we know that winter can present additional challenges for many families,” said Cynthia Figueroa, Deputy Mayor for the City of Philadelphia Office of Children and Families. “Hilco Global’ s contribution of cold-weather gear will help us ‘warm the winter’ for thousands of residents. New winter clothing can make a world of difference for the children and families that we work with in Community School neighborhoods, and we are grateful to Hilco and Hilco Helpers for supporting our work and Philadelphia families.”