More than 300 children from Chicago's southeast side will be warmer this winter thanks to The Calumet Children's Christmas Fund.

Arriving on buses to Burlington Coat Factory in Lansing, the children were guided by chaperones from The Calumet Children's Christmas Fund.

The brainchild of former Royal Savings Bank President Barbara Minster, this annual ritual has taken place since 1979.

This year students from Sullivan, Our Lady of Guadalupe, John L. Marsh, J.N. Thorp, O.T. Bright and South Chicago Community schools, along with their peers from Mireles and Ninos Heroes Academies, were selected to participate in the program.

The children chose their coats with help from the volunteers and then headed to Davis Shoes at 9109 S. Commercial Ave. where Bill Davis donated waterproof boots. Davis has also been a part of the program since its inception in 1979.

"It's important to allow the children to choose their own coats," Minster said in a news release. "Doing so gives them a sense of ownership and appreciation for what they have. We also provide some uniforms, socks and underwear for children that are lacking those necessities. The gratitude expressed in their smiles of joy is overwhelming."

Volunteers included Royal Bank director and retired educator Rodolfo Serna, Pat Minarcik, Judy Prokopeak and former Marsh School Principal Leatha Brooks.

The Calumet Children's Christmas Fund is supported by private donations and matching funds from Royal Charitable Foundation.

- THE TIMES