Utah Knights begin Coats for Kids distributions

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Dennis Martinez

With the temperatures dropping below freezing, the Knights of Columbus throughout Utah have begun their Coats for Kids give-a-ways; the first was held by the St. Rose of Lima Council on Nov. 9 and Nov. 12.

In a span of four and a half hours, the Council distributed more than 400 coats to youth.  Most of the coats were given to students from more than 48 Davis County public schools and five charter schools. Coats were also given to youth living as far south as Sanpete County and  north to Tremonton.

The council began their efforts in October by requesting donations from St. Rose of Lima parishioners, who donated enough funds that the council was able to purchase numerous coats for the scheduled give-a-ways.

Then the council reached out to the community to identify youth in need of a coat this winter. Their efforts started with the Davis County School District. They also contacted the Davis Foundation, which distributed flyers/release forms to the administrators of each school within the county. The Knights particularly wanted to ensure that Title I schools in northern Davis County were provided the information of the scheduled give-a-way.

Title I is a federal education program that supports low-income students throughout the nation.

Additionally, the Council partnered with a local non-denominational church, Nations for Christ, which has an outreach program called #CityHope that provides food for those in need. For the Coats for Kids drive, Nations for Christ donated funds to purchase additional coats.

Finally, the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council arranged a 2-for-1 purchase of the normal price, which allowed councils throughout Utah to double the number of coats for their scheduled give-a-ways.     

The St. Rose of Lima Council distributed coats on Nov. 9 in the rotunda of the Catholic church in Layton and on Nov. 12 at the Nations for Christ church in Clearfield.  

Dennis Martinez is chairman of the Coats for Kids at St. Rose of Lima Council 6010.