Knights of Columbus Councils hold Annual Coats for Kids Event

Norwalk, Conn. – More than 220 brand new and 75 gently usedwinter coats were distributed during the Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids event held this year at Family & Children’s Agency (FCA) on November 23, 2019. This event helps keep kids warm over the winter months by providing this necessity, and this year’s event had a record response with all coats claimed in just 45 minutes.

Knights of Columbus Councils from Norwalk, Darien, New Canaan, Westport, Weston, and Wilton came together purchase the new coats. The local event is part of the Knights of Columbus national Neighbors Helping Neighbors initiative and, since the program launched in 2009, more than 390,000 coats have been distributed in 49 states and all 10 Canadian provinces.

“While our society is pushing us to purchase items for the Christmas season, we don’t want to forget those that need basic necessities for the upcoming cold winter season,” said Project Chairman and District Deputy George Ribellino, Jr. “It’s great to see brother Knights come together from different councils to combine resources to help more people in need.”

The Coats for Kids distribution took place at the same time as the Connecticut Food Bank’s mobile food pantry distributed fresh groceries outside in partnership with Filling in the Blanks and Family & Children’s Agency.

“By bringing the incredible generosity of the Knights of Columbus and the vital resource of the Connecticut food bank into our community, we make it easier for our neighbors in need to access the services they need,” said Robert F. Cashel, President & CEO of Family & Children’s Agency. “The incredible response to the coat drive demonstrates how great the need in our community is.”

Funds were raised by the Greater Norwalk Councils and Assembly 100 to purchase the brand new coats.
Thomas J Finn Council No. 46-Norwalk Rev John Stapleton Council 2287-New CanaanWestport Council No. 3688Rev James McGuane Council No. 4460-DarienOur Lady of Fatima Council No. 12698-WiltonSt Matthew Council No. 14360St Francis of Assisi Council No. 17166Bishop Fenwick 4th Degree Assembly 100

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Family & Children’s Agency is a leading non-profit human services organization with programs for community members of all ages, including behavioral and mental health, addiction recovery services, after-school programs, parenting education, homeless services, family counseling, specialized foster care, home care for older adults, and more. The organization serves more than 13,000 people every year. www.FamilyandChildrensAgency.org

About the Knights of ColumbusThe Knights of Columbus is one of the nation's premiere volunteer and charitable organizations. Last year, Knights worldwide donated more than 75.6 million hours, and more than $185 million to charitable causes in communities throughout the Americas, as well in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. From helping children in need, to providing wheelchairs for the disabled, to helping stock food banks, to offering top-rated and affordable life insurance to its members, the Knights has been at the service of the community for more than 130 years.

Contributed by the Family & Children’s Agency