We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
The local Knights of Columbus organization in collaboration with the Great Falls Council and several area businesses are sponsoring a Coats for Kids Program. Councils across North America can purchase new winter coats at a discount to be distributed to needy children in local communities.
According to the District Deputy for the Knights of Columbus (K of C), Frank LaTray, many families use their scarce resources to meet the most basic essentials, so they often need help to provide this vital winter necessity. “We want to make sure that no child goes without a coat. Regardless of your congregation or denomination, we want families in Zurich, Harlem, and Chinook to stay warm this winter,” LaTray said.
Other sponsors of the Coats for Kids include Rad’s Deli and Pizza, American Garage, and Northern Roofing. “All of these businesses heard we were doing this and wanted to help out, so they made donations in order for us to purchase the coats,” LaTray reported.
In 2009, the K of C developed the Coats for Kids program, and every K of C council is eligible to participate. The goal of the Coats for Kids program is to ensure that no child in North America goes without a coat during the winter season. Through the dedication of councils across the United States and Canada, nearly 400,000 coats have been distributed to children since the program’s inception.
“We are Catholic men acting out of faith, and we are a giving organization. There is much good and necessary work to be done in this world, and that’s what Knights do every day,” LaTray said. “If the coat give-away is a success, we will do it again next year.”
Founded on the principles of charity, unity, and fraternity, the Knights of Columbus was established in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut, and a group of parishioners. Their intent was to bring financial aid and assistance to the sick, disabled, and needy parish members and their families.
This fraternal year a limited supply of coats for boys and girls are available with an assortment of sizes ranging from small to large. “These are brand new coats, not second-hand coats,” LaTray explained. “Although the coats are sized for school age children, we will give a coat to anyone who needs one. We have four boxes of coats ordered with some ready to distribute now.”
LaTray stated that his district is comprised of the K of C organizations in Malta, Chinook, Havre, and Chester. “I’m just an organizer for the Knights.” Right now, he’s trying to organize a location and a time for the coat distribution. In the interim anyone with questions is encouraged to call LaTray at 357-3613.
“I just learned yesterday, November 10, that we will also have 2000 pounds of food coming for distribution to people in need. That will take pressure off the local Food Pantry and give people groceries to supplement their holiday meals,” LaTray reported.
