Connecticut Knights of Columbus to Distribute Coats for Kids on 'Black Friday'

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Nov 26, 2013, 11:59 ET

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

NEW HAVEN, Conn., Nov. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As many head to the malls to shop, hundreds of children in need throughout Connecticut will each be treated to a brand new coat free of charge on "Black Friday." The Knights of Columbus will distribute new winter coats to children in need free of charge at six sites throughout Connecticut the day after Thanksgiving: Friday, Nov. 29.

The Knights' Coats for Kids distributions will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at sites in Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, Norwich, Stamford and Waterbury. The effort builds on a successful program held the day after Thanksgiving last year in Bridgeport.

Since 2009, the Knights of Columbus in the United States and Canada has given away 150,000 coats to children.

"This program helps us to remember Christmas is a celebration of love and the gift of love God gave us in his son," said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. "By giving the gift of warmth to those who most need it at this time of year, we are reminded of the deep meaning of the spirit of Christmas, and its importance in ways that transcend purely commercial considerations."

Anderson also highlighted this effective program at this year's annual K of C international convention, reminding members that the cold of winter is a challenge for those suffering financial hardship, and particularly for their children.

The locations of this year's coat distributions in Connecticut will include:

Bridgeport:      St. Augustine School Gym, 63 Pequonnock St. (behind the cathedral)
Hartford:          Cathedral of St Joseph, 134 Farmington Ave.
New Haven:     St. Rose of Lima Church Hall, 115 Blatchley Ave.
Norwich:          Cathedral of St. Patrick, 213 Broadway
Stamford:        Knights of Columbus Hall, 507 Shippan Ave.
Waterbury:      The McGivney Center, 25 Prospect St. (next to Immaculate Conception Basilica)

"Following the success of the Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids distribution in Bridgeport last year, we heard from Knights throughout Connecticut that they wanted to help in the same way," said Anderson. "And we are pleased to be able to help so many hundreds of children with the gift of warmth this winter."

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 with charity as its first principle, the K of C 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