CINCINNATI — First Student partnered with Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) to hold a coat drive to benefit nearly 150 students in the district.

First Student employees collected coats at the company's four Cincinnati-area locations, including its corporate headquarters downtown, during a two-week period in December.

“First Student is committed to making a difference in the lives of the students and families we serve in Cincinnati,” said Dennis Maple, president of First Student. “Every day, our employees work hard to create the best start and finish to the school day. When our team heard there were CPS students in need of winter coats, we wanted to help. Being warm on a cold winter morning certainly makes a difference in how a child’s day begins.”

First Student delivered the coats to the district on Thursday. The coats will be distributed to students at five CPS schools: Bond Hill Academy, Cheviot Elementary, Rockdale Academy, Sayler Park School and South Avondale School.

“This is another example of the strong partnership between Cincinnati Public Schools and First Student,” said Mary Ronan, CPS superintendent. “Our winter temperatures can reach dangerous levels. It is good to know that our students will feel not only the warmth of a winter coat, but the warmth that comes in knowing that there are so many people in the community who care about them.”