Official Press Release

NORWALK – On Saturday, November 1, more than 1,100 brand new coats, gloves, and hand-knit winter hats were distributed to clients of Family & Children’s Agency (FCA) by the greater Norwalk area Knights of Columbus Councils as part of the Order’s Coats for Kids Initiative. Sizes from toddler and children’s to men’s and women’s were organized and distributed. Since the initiative launched in 2009, more than 1 million coats have been distributed in 49 states and all 10 Canadian provinces to keep kids warm through the winter.

When the doors opened at 10 a.m., the line stretched around the building at FCA’s Ben Franklin location, showcasing the need in our community. Knights of Columbus Councils from Norwalk, Darien, New Canaan, Westport, and Wilton worked together to purchase the brand-new coats through various fundraisers throughout the year. In addition to the new coats, handmade winter hats were donated through the Hearts & Crafts Ministry led by Karen Delvecchio and Terri Sargent at St. Matthew Church for the seventh year in a row. Employees from FactSet also volunteered their time to help families find their coats.

“We have been doing our Coats for Kids initiative with FCA since 2019 and each year we are able to increase the number of coats we can provide by sharing the impact that FCA makes for so many families. We look forward to this every year and hope that we can continue our partnership as long as it is needed,” said Project Chairman George Ribellino.

“We are deeply grateful for the continued partnership with the Knights of Columbus,” said Robert F. Cashel, President & CEO of FCA. “This event demonstrates what is possible when neighbors come together to care for one another, and I am grateful to everyone who helped make this generous act of kindness a reality for hundreds of families.”

Local participating councils:
Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100 4th Degree
Church of the Assumption Council #3688-Westport
Father John Stapleton Council #2287-New Canaan
Msgr. Thomas J Finn Council #46-Norwalk
Our Lady of Fatima Council #12698-Wilton
South Norwalk Council #1253
St Matthew Council #14360-Norwalk
Reverend James J McGuane Council #4460

Feedback from George Ribellino – Assembly 100 Coats for Kids Team Leader

“I want to thank all of the councils helping make the coats for kids distribution on Saturday, November 1st a great success. The program directly embodies the Knights’ founding mission of serving families through acts of charity.
By providing coats, the Knights help ease the financial pressure on low-income families, allowing parents to focus on other essentials.
The distribution events serve as a way to connect with and support the local community, bringing together volunteers, children, and families.
This event has been a passion of mine since 2014. The best part of it is seeing brother Knights from local councils coming together to make a difference in the local community.”

Feedback from Lisa Habasinski – Community Engagement Coordinator at Family & Children’s Agency in Norwalk

I would like to thank you all on behalf of Family & Children’s Agency for this amazing donation of winter coats. Because of your efforts, we are able to help keep 1,100 individuals warm this winter season.
Your compassion and kindness shines through with this incredible donation. For those of you who were fortunate enough to be at the agency on Saturday and help our clients try on coats and pick out what they need for their loved ones, you have made a huge impact on their lives. You are all so wonderful and caring. Just an amazing group men!!