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

Children in seven cities throughout the state to receive gift of warmth

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Nov 24, 2014, 01:34 ET

NEW HAVEN, Conn., Nov. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As many head out to shop on the day after Thanksgiving, hundreds of area children will receive a free and much needed gift as the Knights of Columbus distribute new winter coats to children in need at seven sites throughout Connecticut on "Black Friday," Nov. 28.

The K of C Coats for Kids distributions will be held at sites in Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, Brooklyn, Groton and Waterbury. The statewide initiative builds on a program held in Bridgeport over Thanksgiving weekend in 2012. Last year 2,000 coats were distributed statewide by the Knights on Black Friday.

Since 2009, in the United States and Canada, the Knights of Columbus has given away some 215,000 coats to children.

"On the first Christmas, Christ was born in a cold stable because there was no room in the inn," said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. "Today, our members are making sure that children in our state can keep warm at Christmas and throughout the winter season."

Coats will be distributed in Connecticut from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at seven locations, including:

Bridgeport: St. Monica's Hall at St. Augustine Cathedral, 170 Thompson St.

Brooklyn: Parks & Recreation Center, 69 South Main St.

Groton: Sacred Heart School, 56 Sacred Heart Drive

Hartford: Our Lady of Sorrows, 79 New Park Ave

New Haven: St. Rose of Lima Church Hall, 115 Blatchley Ave.

Stamford: Knights of Columbus Council 41, 507 Shippan Ave.

Waterbury: St. Michael's Church, 62 St. Michael's Drive

"For three years running, Knights in Connecticut have embraced the 'Black Friday' Coats for Kids distribution as a statewide tradition that helps children in a very real way. Simultaneously, it serves as a reminder that Christmas is not simply a commercial holiday, but is about giving, and celebrating God's love for us, and our love for our neighbor," said Anderson, who noted that similar programs will be held this weekend by Knights in North Dakota, Arizona, Minnesota and Washington, D.C.

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 $170 million and more than 70 million hours to charitable causes.

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SOURCE Knights of Columbus