The Vermont Knights of Columbus State Council once again organized its statewide “Coats for Kids” program. Over the past three years this effort has provided nearly 4,000 warm coats to children across Vermont.

On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, members of the Vermont Knights of Columbus received 106 cases of children’s coats, a total of 1,285 coats in various sizes and colors, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in South Burlington. These coats are for boys and girls from toddlers through high schoolers throughout the state.

What began as an individual council effort has grown into a statewide initiative, coordinated by Keith Mandart of Newport, with leadership from Knights of Columbus State Deputy Chris Poirier and State Secretary Bill LaCroix. Council members from across Vermont gathered in South Burlington to pick up their boxes for local distribution in the weeks ahead.

Mr. Mandart explained, “Though some councils will use a local food shelf or school as a distribution point to needy families, others will coordinate with local social services, civic groups, and churches to identify those children who are most in need of a warm coat to endure the cold Vermont winter.”

Grand Knight Valdemar Garibay, Leader of Council 297 in St. Albans, shared his council’s experience: “Our plan is to share our Coats-for-Kids information with our council members, various community partners, and on social media. The gift of warmth is very real, and our goal is to help as many children and families as we can. We consider this program a true work of kindness to help others and we are deeply appreciative of everyone who is helping with this cause.”

If you would like to learn more about the Knights of Columbus or are a Catholic man interested in joining, please contact State Membership Director Valdemar Garibay at [email protected] or visit www.kofc.org/join.