Helping to keep kids warm this winter: Masons raise thousands, buy coats for elementary school students

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Masons worked to help elementary school students stay warm this winter.

A local Masonic Lodge purchased 120 coats for children at James Whitcomb Riley Elementary School on S. 4th Street in Milwaukee. They collected $3,500 to purchase the coats.

School officials noticed many kids were coming to class wearing just a sweatshirt -- so they called the masons for help, and the masons delivered.

"I really had to call for some extra help even though I felt really bad to bother the masons -- but they were so generous and they said 'call anytime when you really need it,'" Veronica Leshok with the James Whitcomb Riley Elementary School said.

"I have to admit that I am absolutely overwhelmed at the reception that we received down here and the appreciation for what we did," John Wackman with the Henry L. Palmer Masonic Angel Fund said.