NORWALK- On Saturday, October 26, more than 900 brand new coats and hand-knit winter hats, were distributed to clients of Family & Children’s Agency (FCA) by the greater Norwalk area Knights of Columbus Councils as part of the Order’s Coats for Kids Initiative. Sizes from toddler and children’s to men’s and women’s were organized and distributed. Since the initiative launched in 2009, more than 1 million coats have been distributed in 49 states and all 10 Canadian provinces to keep kids warm through the winter.
Knights of Columbus Councils from Norwalk, New Canaan, Westport, Wilton, and Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100 4th Degree worked together to purchase the brand-new coats through various fundraisers throughout the year. In addition to the new coats, St. Matthew Parishioners Karen Delvecchio and Terri Sargent donated handmade winters hats and scarves for the sixth year in a row.
“Inflation has created an even bigger need in our community, so we do what Knights do by assisting our brothers and sisters when times are rough,” said Project Chairman George Ribellino. “We are honored to partner with the FCA for the sixth straight year.”
“We are deeply grateful for the continued partnership with the Knights of Columbus, who help provide warmth and comfort to children in need through brand new winter coats,” said Robert F. Cashel, President & CEO of FCA. “Each year, as families face increasing financial challenges, this initiative brings relief and joy to parents and children alike, strengthening our community with every coat distributed.”
Local participating councils-
Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100 4th Degree
Church of the Assumption Council #3688-Westport
Father John Stapleton Council #2287-New Canaan
Msgr. Thomas J Finn Council #46-Norwalk
Our Lady of Fatima Council #12698-Wilton
South Norwalk Council #1253
St Matthew Council #14360-Norwalk
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About the Knights of Columbus
In 1882, Blessed Michael McGivney, then a young parish priest in New Haven, Conn., founded the Knights of Columbus to serve the needs of an immigrant Catholic community. What began as a small fraternal benefit society has since grown into one of the world’s leading international charitable organizations, with 2 million members in more than 16,000 local councils. During the past year, Knights around the world donated more than 47 million service hours and $150 million for worthy causes in their communities. The Knights of Columbus also offers extensive life insurance products to members and their families and currently has more than $116 billion of life insurance policies in force. In addition, the Knights provides investment services in accord with Catholic social teaching through Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors, which holds $30 billion in assets under management. Based on the founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity, the Order remains committed to strengthening Catholic families and parishes and to practicing faith in action through service to all in need. To learn more or to join the Knights of Columbus, please visit kofc.org/join
About Family & Children’s Agency Family & Children’s Agency is a leading non-profit human services organization with programs for community members of all ages, including behavioral and mental health, addiction recovery services, after-school programs, parenting education, homeless services, family counseling, specialized foster care, senior services, and more. www.FamilyandChildrensAgency.org