KNIGHTS DISTRIBUTE NEW WINTER COATS AT RACINE’S HALO HOMELESS SHELTER

Youngsters living at the HALO homeless shelter in Racine were treated to new winter coats Feb. 24 courtesy of the Wisconsin Knights of Columbus. Children kindergarten through teenage lined up to receive the new jackets from Ultimate Apparel and London Fog.

It was the second winter coat distribution in 10 months conducted by Msgr. Stanley B. Witkowiak Council 697 of the Knights of Columbus. Those handing out the coats included Roland Ransom II, Wisconsin State Deputy of the Knights of Columbus, and Bill Frayer and Bryan Langfeldt of Council 697 in Racine.

“Do I get to pick out my own coat?” one excited boy asked before the event began. “I’m getting a new coat!” another exclaimed as Knights stacked up a supply of new jackets.

The Coats for Kids initiative is part of the Knights of Columbus Help a Child in Need campaign. The K of C has stepped up efforts to help individuals and families hit hard by the declining economy. Since April 2009, nearly 250 Racine-area children have received new winter coats from the Knights of Columbus.

The Homeless Assistance Leadership Organization (HALO) shelter serves 1,000 individuals each year, including nearly 200 children. For more information on the shelter or to learn ways to help, visit www.haloinc.org.