The Knights of Columbus is making the community a warmer place through the Coats for Kids winter drive. The annual fundraiser, led by Knights co-chair and Maple Grove resident Paul Greninger, has provided winter coats and snow pants to 13 elementary schools in the Osseo School District and local programs for homeless youth and teens. The group also equips first responders with gear to distribute.
The drive is sourced from monetary donations contributed by local businesses and community members. (Clothing donations are not accepted in order to ensure children are receiving high-quality snow gear to keep them warm even on the coldest of days.) Last year, $24,000 in donations was collected, which covers the costs of 1,400 coats and 500 pairs of snow pants. Though donations are accepted year-round, the distribution of the items occurs in early December.
“Every dime that’s put into this goes out to the community,” Greninger says. Since the drive began, the group has raised over $100,000 and provided children with 4,568 winter coats and 2,460 pairs of snow pants.
Greninger demonstrates a great deal of care for the community with his efforts in this initiative, stewarding every step of the process. He accepts donations, purchases gear, oversees its transportation from places like Grand Rapids, Michigan and ensures it is delivered to community members.
For more information about the Knights of Columbus and its charitable efforts, visit kc9139.mnknights.org.
