The Catholic fraternal and service organization, namely the Knights of Columbus, has provided warmth and lots of smiles for hundreds of families this winter season.

In 2009, the Knights of Columbus launched “Coats for Kids.” This initiative is designed to keep children warm in the harsh winter climates. They distribute free coats to any children ages two to 16. Their program has now spread to other parts of America, Canada and Mexico.

State Deputy for the Knights of Columbus (District of Columbia) Brandon Brown said, “We had a single mother who had seven children, and she was not able to supply all the coats for her children. She came up, and she asked us what we’re able to help with. We were able to provide the coats. Usually, the children are very happy but usually, it’s the parents that are much happier and sometimes drawn to tears.”

He added,“With the Covid pandemic, there’s a large unemployment rate, many families have lost their jobs. This year was more special than any other year possible because of the great need that was evident in our communities. Not just in the District of Columbia but throughout the world. This year was a very giving year as we’re going through tough times.”

These coats were distributed in multiple instances. One of the locations was at the St. John Paul II National Shrine in Washington, DC.

“Coats for Kids” is usually held in a large building with hundreds of volunteers. However, due to the pandemic, the Knights of Columbus came up with an alternate solution this year: a drive-through coat drive.

With the help of the Metropolitan Police, The D.C. State Council of the Knights of Columbus distributed around 3,000 coats this year.

Even though 2020 was a challenging year for many, the Knights of Columbus and their collaborators made sure to be there for those struggling families with young children. This wonderful gesture of charity shows that their community cares for them both exteriorly and interiorly.