Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids Distribution in Kankakee, Ill.

On Saturday, January 23, members of the Knights of Columbus distributed new winter coats to underprivileged children at the Lisieux Pastoral Center of St. Theresa in Kankakee, Illinois. Council 14012 in conjunction with the Illinois State Council of the Knights of Columbus carried out the distribution as part of the Knights’ Coats for Kids initiative in Illinois and across the U.S and Canada.

Coats for Kids in Kankakee, Ill.

Coats for Kids in Kankakee, Ill.

Local Knights have handed out several hundred coats this winter throughout Illinois, focusing on the areas with the greatest immediate need. Saturday’s event was lead by Alex Quezada of Council 14012 and distributed over 100 coats to underprivileged children from and around Kankakee, one of the most economically depressed areas in the U.S.

This event was part of the second annual “Coats for Kids” program of the Knights of Columbus. Similar distributions by local councils have taken place in cold weather cities across the U.S and Canada, and many more distributions are in the works in the weeks to come. In total, the Knights of Columbus will distribute approximately 10,000 Ultimate Apparel coats this winter to underprivileged children.

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.

If you have any questions about the program, please contact Robert Ennis, director of Fraternal Operations and Programs at (203) 752-4616 or Peter Sonski, director of Public Relations at (203) 752-4182.