Knights of Columbus Distribute Several Hundred Coats to Philadelphia Children

On Monday, November 23, the Pennsylvania State Council of the Knights of Columbus, in conjunction with three local councils (344, 4146, and 8252) distributed several hundred new winter coats to children in Philadelphia.

Distribution took place at St. Cyprian Church on Cobbs Creek Parkway. Doors opened at 10:00am. The Philadelphia event is Pennsylvania’s second. Local Knights in Pittsburgh also distributed several hundred coats this weekend at Sacred Heart Elementary School.

This event was part of the Coats for Kids initiative of the Knights of Columbus. All told, the Knights of Columbus distributed approximately 10,000 Ultimate Apparel coats during the winter of 2009-10.

The initiative began 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.”

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.

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.