Since his rookie year in Philadelphia, Ben Simmons has had a unique way of helping children in need get through the winter, an annual coat giveaway that clothes thousands of youngsters. This year is no exception. Last Friday, Simmons, working with Operation Warm, was at PS 124 Silas B Dutcher Elementary, down Fourth Avenue from Barclays Center, to distribute 2,600 new coats to children from six schools and three Brooklyn community groups.
“I love this event and am proud to be doing this in New York,” said Simmons. “A new coat creates an opportunity to empower a young person by giving them confidence, offering them warmth and helping students attend school and play with their friends.