Annual Coats for Kids drive on pace to double donations from last year, state program director says
DETROIT — Michigan Knights of Columbus councils are on track to hand out nearly 10,000 winter coats to children in need across the state by mid-November, doubling the Knights' outreach from 2018.
Coats for Kids is a national program that was started by the Knights' Supreme Council in Connecticut in 2009. It’s designed to provide warmth to children in need during the winter months. Since the program’s inception, nearly half a million new coats have been distributed in the United States and Canada.
Knights of Columbus across North America collect donations from council members and purchase the new winter coats at a discount rate from the Supreme Council. Local councils then distribute the coats in their local communities.
All councils have their own charity programs, but many participate in Coats for Kids. This year, about 50 Michigan councils are signed up to participate, with 400 volunteers statewide, according to Bill Leveque, state program director.
“The reception of it has been overwhelming,” Leveque said. “The Center for Hope in Flint expressed a need for about 600 coats, and we gave over 900 coats to another local church last week in Plymouth. It’s been a great response from the communities, and the smiles on the kids’ faces when they pick out a coat is amazing.”
Families can call ahead to notify the participating council that they are coming, but it is not required.
Council members help each child pick out a coat at the participating locations and ensure it fits properly. There are multiple styles and options for girls and boys.
“This is one of our biggest programs,” said Bill Chasse, Knights of Columbus state deputy. “It’s a need that continues to grow, and we’re going to continue participating in the program.”
The program is expected to run through Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Coats for Kids drive locations and dates
Most Holy Redeemer Parish
1711 Junction Avenue
Detroit, MI 48209
Saturday, Nov. 2
Sacred Heart Parish
150 E. Summit Avenue
Muskegon Heights, MI 49444
Tuesday, Nov. 5
