Knights of Columbus Distribute More Than 500 Coats to Michigan Children

The Michigan State Council in conjunction with Our Lady of Guadalupe Council 12090 and Father John E. Madden Council 14031, both in Flint;  Mary Queen of Peace Council 2199 in Hart; and Queen City Council 575  in Battle Creek distributed more than 500 coats Nov. 21-22 to children in Michigan. 

Coats for Kids in Michigan

Coats for Kids in Michigan

Distributions took place in Flint, Mount Morris, Hart and Battle Creek and will continue with 200 more coats at two more sites in Detroit next weekend. 

These events were part of the second annual Coats for Kids initiative of the Knights of Columbus. Similar distributions are planned in more than 20 cold-climate cities throughout North America.  All told, 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.”

“As the leadership team travels throughout the state, we consistently hear how bad things are,” said the state program director for the Michigan Knights. “It's really hitting home when you see Brother Knights and their families being affected by the economy and in some cases having to relocate out-of-state to find employment. Some things in the past we have taken for granted, but not now. The Coats for Kids program provides a way for us to live the first principle of the Order – Charity.”

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.