Coat Distribution Event’s Record Response Demonstrates Community Need
Norwalk, Conn. – More than 220 brand new and 75 gently used winter 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 Canaan
Westport
Council No. 3688
Rev James
McGuane Council No. 4460-Darien
Our Lady
of Fatima Council No. 12698-Wilton
St
Matthew Council No. 14360
St
Francis of Assisi Council No. 17166
Bishop
Fenwick 4th Degree Assembly 100
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 Columbus
The 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.
