New coats given out as part of organization’s Faith in Action initiatives
More than 400 homeless received new winter coats from Knights of Columbus Council 539 on November 20, 2019 in Lincoln Memorial Park, Denver, Colorado. The distribution was an extension of the Knights’ Coats for Kids program that takes place across North America each year.
Said Jon Herskovits, State Secretary of the Colorado Knights of Columbus:
“It was heartwarming not only to give out coats but to share with all those we encountered. For many, it was the first new coat they have had been in a while.”
Andrew Wheaton, a General Insurance agent for the Knights of Columbus, echoed Herskovits and said:
“Being able to give the people we met the gift of warmth was profoundly impactful.”
The coat distribution coincided with an unusual weather day in Denver. The event started in the morning with temperatures in the low 50’s but temperatures quickly began to drop, and snow was forecasted.
In addition to new winter coats, the Knights also handed out care packages to help the homeless with their well-being. The bags included socks, hygiene products, snacks, hand warmers, and first aid supplies.
Said Stephen Sweeney, Financial Secretary for Council 539:
“It was amazing to see the love we got from everyone who came. You could see the change in their spirit as they walked away.”
The Knights hope to expand the “Coats for the Homeless” program to other cities following the Denver distribution.
There are 159 Knights of Columbus councils in Colorado consisting of more than 18,000 members. The first council was established in that state in 1902. Over the last five years, Colorado Knights have given more than 10,000 volunteer hours and donated more than $190,000 to charity. The Knights of Columbus is a fraternity of Catholic men striving to better ourselves and our world by helping and protecting those who are not able to do so for themselves — whether they are next door or around the world. For more information, visit www.kofc.org.
Source: Knights of Columbus
