On Nov. 28, also known as “Black Friday,” four Minnesota Knights of Columbus chapters distributed 1,200 winter coats to children in need.
“Christmas is about caring,” said Maple Grove Grand Knight Patrick Farrelly. “We Knights are starting our Christmas season by giving the gift of warmth.”
“We gave away 100 Coats for Kids in Bloomington last year,” said Bloomington Grand Knight Tony Spano. “It was fortuitous; last winter was so cold.” This year, Spano’s council gave away 300 coats with a retail value of $22,000.
Chapters in Duluth and Moorhead also distributed coats, which are funded by donations.
Since 2009, the Knights of Columbus has given away 200,000 coats to children. The Coats for Kids program originated in Connecticut and has expanded among the organization’s local chapters.
The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic family organization. Founded in 1882, it has grown to nearly two million members worldwide. Its main principle is charity.
For more information about the Knights of Columbus, visit http://www.kofc.org.
