On Nov. 28, the day after Thanksgiving known as “Black Friday,” 1,200 Minnesota children will receive a free new coat from the Knights of Columbus. Four Minnesota chapters have worked with local charities and schools to identify the coat recipients, who received vouchers good for a free coat.

Distribution sites in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis are in Bloomington and Maple Grove.

“Christmas is about caring,” said Maple Grove Grand Knight Patrick Farrelly. “We Knights are starting our Christmas season by giving the gift of warmth.”

“We gave away 100 Coats for Kids in Bloomington last year,” said Bloomington Grand Knight Tony Spano. “It was fortuitous. Last winter was so cold.” This year, Spano’s council is giving away 300 coats with a retail value of $22,000.

Since 2009, the Knights of Columbus have given away 200,000 coats, which are funded by donations. The Coats for Kids program originated in Connecticut and has expanded among the organization’s local chapters. Duluth and Moorhead chapters also will give away coats.

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic family organization. Founded in 1882, it has grown to nearly two million members worldwide. Its main principle is charity.

For more information about the Knights of Columbus, visit kofc.org.

Category: Local News