Knights of Columbus Organization Distributes Food and Coats

On Saturday, November 21, from noon until 3:00 p.m., the local Knights of Columbus organization in collaboration with the Great Falls Council and several local businesses distributed 2000 pounds of food and gave-away more than three dozen coats in an act of charity.

Using St. Gabriel's Catholic Church in Chinook as a distribution center, the District Deputy for the Knights of Columbus (K of C), Frank LaTray and his team of trusty Knights and other volunteers took requests from the front door of the church and did their best to fill those needs. Abiding by local health guidelines and in order to maintain social distancing, the families were not allowed to "shop on their own."

Each family who arrived for a coat was also gifted with a box of groceries. The menu of food from which families could choose included various breakfast cereals, bottled apple juice, rice, three varieties of beans, dried fruit and nut mix, raisins, potatoes, soup, peanut butter, and pasta.

For their support of local financially challenged families, LaTray wished to thank not only the Great Falls Council of the Knights of Columbus but also the local sponsors of the Coats for Kids program: Rad's Deli and Pizza, American Garage, and Northern Roofing. "When these businesses heard about our Coats for Kids Program, they wanted to help out, so they made donations in order for us to purchase the coats," LaTray reported.

Because the K of C Council had a limited supply of coats, which are in especially high demand during these challenging economic times, LaTray said all four of their requested boxes didn't arrive, so he is hoping that additional coats will arrive in the days to come. The coats distributed in Chinook were for both boys and girls, with a size distribution from small (size 8) to extra-large (size 18).

Two recipients of the winter outerwear, Julia and Jarrod Briere claimed that "the coats are really warm."

"Distributing coats to children not only fills a need in the community, it is also an excellent way to build camaraderie among members. Seeing the joy that getting a new winter coat brings to a child may also encourage prospective members to see the Knights as an organization they want to be part of," LaTray said.

LaTray credits Walt Campbell with getting him involved in the K of C. "Walt convinced me to attend a meeting in Glasgow years ago, and although I was initially uncertain about the organization, here I am today, the District Deputy providing service and helping others in need."

All food left-over after the give-away session was taken to the Chinook Food Pantry.