Although it hasn't been felt yet, eventually the chill of fall and cold of winter will descend upon the Washington, D.C. metro area. Thanks to the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation and Macy's, 300 local elementary school students will be prepared with a brand new coat of their own.
On Tuesday at the Macy's at Dulles Town Center, WRCF and Macy's collaborated to create an incredible day for children from seven elementary schools. The students were ushered into a private area within Macy's where their faces immediately turned to joy after seeing the dozens of coats, a book nook, a crafts table and by far the most popular area of the day – a dance floor with energetic music from DJ Chazon.
Along with WOW Wives volunteers and Macy's employees, Redskins players Ryan Grant, Samaje Perine and Ty Nsekhe helped the kids find a coat that fit both their body and personality.
"It's just a great feeling to be able to give back to the kids and make sure they have coats for the winter," Grant said. "It makes me feel ecstatic. I love being able to give back and be fruitful. I'm just happy to be able to do it for Macy's and the Redskins Charitable Foundation."
After finding a coat that fit, the children were able to pick their next activity. Some took to the giant beanbags and Dr. Seuss books. Others colored their own Redskins championship ring or made burgundy and gold bead necklaces. However, most took to the dance floor.
"I don't really know how else to spend my off day other than to give back to the kids," Perine said. "To see them have fun and jump around and not have to care about anything else – just have fun and get free stuff and hang around their peers. We just get to come out and put a smile on their face."
The Redskins Charitable Foundation and Macy's hosted 300 local children as they pick out a brand new winter coat for the holiday season.
Along with the coat, students also received a Redskins knit beanie to keep their head warm throughout winter as well. Most took a craft home with them as well, including Dajasha, a student from Leckie Education Campus, who made a paper football for her mom.
Dajasha picked out a bright pink coat because she said it matches her pink bedroom at home. When asked what her favorite part of the day was, she said, "That I get to get a jacket from the Redskins and make a football!"
Nsekhe, who grew up in Texas and attended Texas State, didn't have much experience with the cold before signing with the Redskins 2015. He's figured it out quickly, though; this will be huge for the children this winter.
"Especially out here on the east coast, it gets real cold in the winter time," Nsekhe said. "It's a real good event we're doing for them. I'm glad I can help. Where I'm from, you don't even need a coat. Just the fact that they can get a coat out here is a great thing."
