ATLANTA, March 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America donated 1,000 coats to the community organization Park Pride, the City of Atlanta's Mayor's Office, and the City of Atlanta's Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. The coats were distributed to underprivileged youth from Atlanta Public Schools and children involved in faith-based community organizations during a special event on Tuesday, March 5. More than 150 community members and students joined Mayor Kasim Reed and representatives from Hyundai Motor America at the event at Bethune Elementary School in Atlanta. 

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"At Hyundai, we are committed to improving the communities in which we work and live. We are honored to partner with the City of Atlanta to identify and address the needs of its underserved residents," said Zafar Brooks, Director Corporate Social Responsibility and Diversity Inclusion at Hyundai Motor America.  "We commend Atlanta's community partners in recognizing the essential need to improve the health and wellness of children in their community."

Hyundai's gift of 1,000 coats will benefit students at Atlanta-area Title 1 schools, where more than 80 percent of their student population receives some type of Federal support. Social workers and counselors at these schools then selected youth enrolled in free or reduced lunch services to receive the coats. The city of Atlanta also worked with local faith-based organizations to identify deserving families who may not have been identified within the school system. The Hyundai coat donation initiative is in its fourth year, and is part of Hyundai's ongoing efforts to provide coats to youth in communities in need.

"Through public-private partnerships, we have been able to provide support and resources to families throughout the City of Atlanta," said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. "Today's coat donation has made an indelible impact on the lives of hundreds of children in Atlanta thanks to the generosity of Hyundai Motor America."

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs services over 4,000 youth annually in their after school programs, athletic programs and specialty programs offered year round. More than 80 percent of the youth served are from families who have incomes well below the poverty index and are enrolled in Atlanta Public Schools. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs has a long standing collaborative relationship with the Atlanta Public School System.

"Nearly 75% of our students qualify for free and reduced priced meals, which means that we are tasked with meeting student-needs that extend beyond the classroom," said Erroll B. Davis, Jr., Superintendent, Atlanta Public Schools. "We are appreciative of Hyundai's generosity. This is an example of how collaboration between our school system, the City of Atlanta and corporate partners like Hyundai benefits students."

To learn more, visit the website of the City of Atlanta's Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 820 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance.

CITY OF ATLANTA
For more information about the City of Atlanta, please visit http://www.atlantaga.gov or watch City Channel 26. Follow the City of Atlanta on Facebook and Twitter @City_of_Atlanta. Follow Mayor Reed on Facebook and Twitter @Kasim Reed.

SOURCE Hyundai Motor America