The spirit of giving was on full display from Bridgeport to Waterbury on Friday as the Knights of Columbus gave out 2,000 brand new coats to children in need across Connecticut.
“A lot of folks are out shopping for Christmas gifts, the Knights are here giving," explained Thomas Porter of the Knights of Columbus.
Inside New Haven’s St. Martin de Porres Academy, dozens of volunteers shared the gift of warmth with families in need of a little extra cheer.
Janet Sanchez brought her son and three daughters to pick out coats. She said 2016 has been a tough year.
“I was in a shelter for a week, then house to house, my sister’s, my grandmother. We’re finally on our feet now," she explained.
Despite having a new job, she knows keeping four kids warm during the winter won’t be easy.
“It’s Christmas, bills, everything’s tight," she said.
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The organization has given out 370,00 coats nationwide since 2009.
“It’s very important. All the help I can get, I take," added Bernice Weinstein.
Weinstein said she had to quit her job when she took custody of her three grandchildren and that’s meant making sacrifices. Including, one coat shared between two grandsons.
As the cold weather begins to settle in, these families have one less worry on their minds, and a reason to be thankful.
“I like it because my mom doesn’t have to suffer," said Sanchez's 11-year-old daughter Jarielyz.
“Beautiful. It means so much to the kids, the family," added her mother, wiping away tears.
