“It’s a wonderful thing.” Knights of Columbus Donate 96 Jackets to Vicksburg Charities

VICKSBURG, Miss. – The Knights of Columbus Vicksburg Council 898 made a donation of 96 jackets to local charity organizations today as a part of the organizations “Coats for Kids” program. This is the local chapter’s second year participating in the event.

Last year, 48 coats were donated to the Warren County children’s shelter. This year, Council 898 were able to not only double the amount of jackets donated, but also have expanded their outreach to include both Haven House and Lifting Lives, as well as the Warren County children’s shelter.

According to Conrad Rabalais, Grand Knight of Council 898, the international program donated one million coats for last year’s Coats for Kids campaign.

Daniel Wilson, Director of the Warren County children’s shelter said that of the heavy winter coats donated last year, only about ten are left.

“We are so grateful to the Knights of Columbus for this very generous donation for our kids. Most of the kids that we serve, they’re coming in as victims of abuse or neglect, runaways, or homeless. Almost all of these kids come in with very little clothes, some with the clothes on their back,” said Wilson. “We took three this weekend with nothing but the clothes on their back.”

Dr. Christine Bridges, Executive Director of Haven House family shelter, said these donations go to families in need, who often are fleeing violence.

“This is really a testament to the giving of the community. Knights of Columbus really do a lot in the community and the fact that they consider Haven House an organization that they want to give to, it really warms my heart,” said Dr. Bridges. “We need this around this time of year, a lot of families coming in to our shelter are without. They’re fleeing violence, so a coat is not something that they have.”

Founded in May 15, 1904, the Vicksburg council 898 is the oldest continually operating Knights of Columbus council in the state of Mississippi.