More than 1,100 Coats Distributed at FCA by Knights of Columbus

NORWALK- On Saturday, November 1, more than 1,100 brand new coats, gloves, 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.

When the doors opened at 10 a.m., the line stretched around the building at FCA’s Ben Franklin location, showcasing the need in our community.

Knights of Columbus Councils from Norwalk, Darien, New Canaan, Westport, and Wilton worked together to purchase the brand-new coats through various fundraisers throughout the year. In addition to the new coats, handmade winter hats were donated through the Hearts & Crafts Ministry led by Karen Delvecchio and Terri Sargent at St. Matthew Church for the seventh year in a row. Employees from FactSet also volunteered their time to help families find their coats.

“We have been doing our Coats for Kids initiative with FCA since 2019 and each year we are able to increase the number of coats we can provide by sharing the impact that FCA makes for so many families. We look forward to this every year and hope that we can continue our partnership as long as it is needed,” said Project Chairman George Ribellino.

“We are deeply grateful for the continued partnership with the Knights of Columbus,” said Robert F. Cashel, President & CEO of FCA. “This event demonstrates what is possible when neighbors come together to care for one another, and I am grateful to everyone who helped make this generous act of kindness a reality for hundreds of families.”

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

Reverend James J McGuane Council #4460

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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