Providing warmth for deserving children during cold winter months

This important program provides coats free of charge to individuals in need of all ages.  The sizes of coats we provide range from toddler to adult.  Many of our councils work directly with both public and private schools and other charities that support those in need, to include individuals experiencing homelessness.    In addition, we provide coats to charities that provide direct support to single and abused mothers. 

Our distribution program allows us to serve children and families across the State, to include our Immigrant, Native American and Migrant populations.

In 2024, 82 Knights of Columbus councils across Washington State ordered 658 cases of coats. Through a generous matching grant from the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council, we received an additional 658 cases of coats, for a total of 1,316 cases valued at over $350,000.  Through this combined effort, we were able to provide over 17,000 individuals a warm coat.   

The ongoing importance of this program cannot be overstated.  Each year, the Office of the Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction reports over 500,000 students receiving free or reduced lunches.  In addition, in 2023 HUD reported over 28,000 individuals experiencing homelessness in Washington State.    Therefore, this program remains a priority mission for Columbus Charities.