KOC gives 600 new coats to kids

New Haven (WTNH) - On the heels of similar distributions throughout Pennsylvania and Michigan during the past two weeks, the Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus in conjunction with three local Connecticut councils distributed approximately 250 coats to children in New Haven.

The remaining coats will be distributed over the course of the next several days .

Today's distribution took place at the St. Francis and St. Rose of Lima School on 423 Ferry St. in New Haven. Members of local councils 8882 (New Haven), 8372 (St. Francis Parish), and 14664 (Hamden) participated. Deputy Supreme Knight Dennis Savoie also took part in the distribution.

Previous events were held in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as well as Flint, Mt. Morris, Hart, Battle Creek, and Detroit, Michigan.
These events are part of the second annual "Coats for Kids" initiative of the Knights of Columbus.

Similar distributions are planned in more than 15 cities throughout North America during the weeks to come. The Knights of Columbus will distribute approximately 10,000 Ultimate Apparel coats this winter.

The initiative began last year, in an effort to help families with children living in colder climates who have been severely impacted by the sharp and sudden downturn in the economy.

"As our nation faces tough economic times, we believe it is very important to respond within our communities in concrete ways to help those most in need," said Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson. "Helping children in need was a fundamental reason for the formation of the Knights of Columbus in 1882 and continues to be a very important component of our work today."

"New England winters can be very cold indeed," said Deputy Supreme Knight Dennis Savoie, "and Coats for Kids is our effort to help families of limited means ensure that their children are protected against that cold this winter. We hope these coats will make the winter of 2009-2010 a little warmer and a little brighter for these families."

The "Coats for Kids" program is part of the Knights' "Help a Child in Need" campaign, which began in 2006 with a nationwide television appeal during the Christmas season for donations to charities that support the needs of children.

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