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UES Woman Embraces The Holiday Spirit, Buys New Coat For Shooting Victim

NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- There are times when Javier Contreras finds it hard to believe that there are still good people in the world.

Contreras, 20, was shot while ice skating at Bryant Park. Authorities allege that the suspected shooter wanted Contreras' coat.

Now, the coat is being held by police as evidence and Contreras has been left without a winter jacket.

Earlier this week, Contreras spoke with CBS 2 about the fear that he felt when he was shot. Upper East Side resident Fran Black saw the report and took action.

"When I heard the story I thought, 'I just have to do something,'" she told CBS 2's Tamara Leitner, "I can't stand the fact that it's so cold and he's so sweet and this could happen arbitrarily."

Black decided to replace Contreras' coat.

When Contreras called Black to thank her she was brought to tears and praised the young man for working hard and taking care of his family.

Before the call ended Black invited Contreras to visit her next Thanksgiving so the two could finally meet in person.

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