Connecticut Knights of Columbus Distribute 2000 Coats to Kids Statewide

News provided by

Nov 29, 2013, 04:14 ET

Children in six cities throughout the state receive the gift of warmth from the K of C

NEW HAVEN, Conn., Nov. 29, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Approximately 2,000 children throughout Connecticut were treated to brand new coats free of charge today. The Knights of Columbus distributed the new winter coats to children in need free of charge at six sites throughout Connecticut on "Black Friday," Nov. 29.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131129/DC25536)

Children - accompanied by their parents - receive free winter coats from the Knights of Columbus at St. Rose Church in New Haven.More than 2000 coats were distributed statewide by the Knights of Columbuson Friday, Nov. 29. (PRNewsFoto/Knights of Columbus) (PRNewsFoto/KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS)

The Knights' Coats for Kids distributions ran from 10 a.m. to noon at sites in Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, Norwich, Stamford and Waterbury. As many as 500 coats were distributed at each location, with the total reaching 2,000 statewide.

The effort builds on a successful program held the day after Thanksgiving last year in Bridgeport. And since 2009, the Knights of Columbus has given away 150,000 coats to children throughout the United States and Canada.

"As we begin the Christmas season, this program helps us to remember Christmas is a celebration of the gift of love God gave us in his son. Meeting the needs of children and families throughout the state in this way, allows us to share that Christmas spirit with our neighbors in a meaningful way," said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. "With more than 2,000 coats distributed, today's program was an enormous success, and will make a real difference in the lives of these children."

One of the most active charitable organizations in the United States, the Knights of Columbus has deep roots in Connecticut. Established in New Haven in 1882, the Knights of Columbus still remains headquartered there. With charity as the Knights' first principle, the organization has grown to include more than 1.8 million members worldwide. Last year, Knights donated more than $167.5 million and 70 million hours to charitable causes.

SOURCE Knights of Columbus