A festive spirit reigned as volunteers from St. Dominic’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus handed out 50 brand new winter coats on November 23rd to needy children living in the Greenleaf Gardens Apartments.
The parishioners of St. Dominic’s had raised more than $2,300, which paid for 120 coats, distributed through the Patrick Cardinal O’Boyle Council #11302 of the Knights of Columbus’ Coats for Kids program. Last year the Knights donated more than 32,500 warm, high-quality coats to children in need throughout the United States and Canada.
Besides the 50 coats that volunteers handed out to the Greenleaf Gardens children at the St. Dominic’s parish center at 630 E St SW, new coats were also given to children participating in the Joseph P. Kennedy Early Head Start Program. That program provides educational services and other assistance for pregnant women and children, some of whom have developmental disabilities. The remainder of the coats will be donated to two other nearby Catholic parishes: St. Vincent de Paul on South Capitol and Holy Name on 11th St NE. Children living in shelters in the area will also receive some of the new coats.
The coat giveaway at St. Dominic’s parish center resembled a joyous party. Children modeled their stylish new coats – black, brown, and blue for boys, and pink, purple, and turquoise for girls – and posed with their parents while volunteers took their pictures.