Knights of Columbus Councils around the globe began this week their annual Coats For Kids initiative, buying and distributing thousands of coats.
Knights of Columbus Council #12572 — based in Scranton, Pennsylvania — met at St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen on Friday to begin their local drive. KOC State Deputy Michael Kish, and Brian Hallock (Master for the Fourth Degree Knights of the Central District) led the group.
Kish stated that the coat drive was possible because “you could find a council anywhere in the state doing things like this.”
They were acquired with assistance from the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council. It matches local councils who have purchased coats.
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Knights of Columbus from Scranton give out coats to the St. Francis of Assisii Kitchen, a local Catholic charity.
(Fox News (Timothy HJ Nerozzi))
On their website, the Knights of Columbus stated that “The Coats for Children program’s goal is to ensure no child in North America goes cold without one during winter.” Since the program’s inception, thousands upon thousands of winter coats were distributed by the dedicated councils throughout the United States.
The knights then made their way down the Lackawanna River Trail to assist the homeless, which has become more common. A group of 12 volunteers marched under city bridges and down jogging trails to give out winter clothing.
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St. Francis of Assisii Kitchen, Scranton (Pennsylvania)
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“They call this area ‘tent city,’” Hallock remarked. “Sometimes you get kids coming into the gas station, and you ask them where they live and they say ‘under the bridge.’ It’s sad.”
Hallock is a KOC member for more than 12 years. William Hallock, Hallock’s grandfather, is the grand Knight of the Council.
In 1882, Fr. iichael John McGivney was a missionary charity group. Pope John Paul II referred to the group as “the strong right arm of the Catholic Church” for its direct actions in charitable and missionary work.
With the slogan “Everybody is welcome, All are free”, the group rose in national prominence around the turn of this century. Its focus was on acts of mercy.
Kish states that Knights of Columbus has seen an increase in members since the COVID-19 pandemic which destroyed churches and disrupted council meetings caused a significant rise in its membership.
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Council of Knights of Columbus in Scranton distributes coats to those who are homeless on public trails
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Kish is assisted by his wife Colleen Kish, who runs a program called ASAP — Aid and Support After Pregnancy. This group offers material and emotional support for struggling mothers after and during birth.
Colleen said that in January they celebrate their first birthday. We can’t stop supporting them after their birth.”
Arthur Bobbouine (15 years old) was the youngest member of Friday’s group. Since his childhood, he’s been joining the Knights of Columbus.
Fox News Digital asked him to tell Fox News Digital that he was 18 and could join. He also wore a KOC logo smocked on his head. Arthur Bobbouine joined the group after his father Art Bobbouine, community director.
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Council of Knights of Columbus in Scranton distributes coats to those who are homeless on public trails
(Fox News (Timothy HJ Nerozzi))
Bobbouine stated his age when Bobbouine first joined the group. I’ve been helping out at dinners since childhood.
Kish says it is the fathers who lead children to charity work and Knights of Columbus.
“They see their fathers doing this work — the man is the spiritual head of the family,” Kish said. Being a leader doesn’t mean telling others what to do. You must also help them to serve others. Young men need examples.”
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Graffiti below a bridge, Scranton, Pennsylvania
(Fox News (Timothy HJ Nerozzi))
Around 14,000 Councils worldwide are home to the Knights of Columbus, which has 1.7 Million members. Canada, Japan, Poland and other countries have their own councils.