BOSTON (CBS) – Just in time for winter, several Boston agencies are teaming up to help needy kids stay warm.

Coat Boston kicked into high gear in Dorchester on Saturday by handing out more than 400 winter coats to students at the Russell Elementary School.

“Given the amazing turnout here today, it’s clear the need is even greater this year,” said the Reverend June Cooper, executive director of the City Mission Society. “We are so thrilled to be able to give each and every one of these children a warm coat. It translates into improved health and safety, better school attendance, and greater self-esteem. It warms my heart to see the smiles on their faces.”

The coat drive is being organized by the City Mission Society and is being funded through a $25,000 grant from the Citizens Bank Foundation.

Coat Boston has given out more than 5,000 coats over the past three years to keep under-served children warm throughout the winter months.

This year, Coat Boston will distribute a total of 2,000 coats to four agencies. These agencies are the Boston Public Schools Homeless Student Resource Network, Roxbury Youthworks, Children’s Services of Roxbury, and Mothers for Justice and Equality.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030′s Kim Tunnicliffe reports

Mayor Menino was on hand helping to hand out coats.

“This is a great day,” said Mayor Thomas M. Menino. “Every young person here today will get a warm coat, which goes a long way. This program goes along with our Circle of Promise, which is a program to keep kids in the Boston Schools healthy, in school, and safe. I thank Citizens Bank for making this possible, and the City Mission Society for the things they do every single day.”