Annual Knights of Columbus coat drive beginning distribution, seeking donations for local children

Friday, Nov. 04, 2016

SALT LAKE CITY – More than eight years ago the Utah Knights of Columbus councils began distributing thousands of coats to the many families with young children who are in need.

The Coats for Kids program was developed by the Knights of Columbus of the United States, encouraging councils across North America to provide new winter coats for children. According to the National Knights of Columbus website, the initiative began as an effort to help families with children living in colder climates who were severely impacted by the downturn in the economy.

According to Knights of Columbus statistics, through the Coats for Kids program, 1,625 local councils distributed 79,320 coats to children in need throughout the United States and Canada in 2015. Since the program began in 2009, more than 306,000 coats have been distributed.

In Utah each year, the Knights of Columbus distribute about 900 coats at sites in the Ogden and Salt Lake City areas. In Tooele, in previous years, the Knights at St. Marguerite Parish also have distributed more than 300 coats.

“The Knights have also done collections in Cedar City and St. George, in which they will give around 100 coats,” said Andrew Airriess, Knights of Columbus state deputy, in a previous interview.

This year, the Knights, working with Catholic Community Services, will distribute coats in Ogden on Nov. 5; the Salt Lake City and Ogden distributions will be in coming weeks.

The Knights have changed the distribution procedure this year through Catholic Community Services in Salt Lake City.  

“This year will be distribution in [Salt Lake City] will be by prior appointment rather than having all the families show up when the doors open then assigning when the family can get the coats, hats and other goodies,” said Gregory A. Keller, Utah Knights of Columbus state treasurer.

Statewide the Knights are expected to distribute a total of about 1,300 coats this year.

The children aren’t the only ones to benefit from the program.

“The looks on the kids’ faces as they got new coats was fantastic, and the appreciation from their parents was equally gratifying,” said Airriess after a previous distribution. “What a fantastic organization we belong to that gives us the opportunity to serve others in such a way. We’re very, very lucky to be Knights of Columbus. Shouldn’t every guy be as lucky?”

 In the past, at the Saint Vincent de Paul Dining Hall distribution in Salt Lake City, the Knights also have given hats, scarfs and mittens to the children and even coats to the parents.

The community can donate to the Coats for Kids program either through their local parish or through the Knights of Columbus web page, www.utahknights.org.