by Katie Patrick
Every year for the past eight years, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska, in partnership with the Knights of Columbus, has hosted the annual “Coats for Kids” community event. Together, we distribute hundreds of coats to children who would otherwise be left in the cold or wearing donated, worn coats that don't quite fit. This year’s event was particularly special as it took place in our newly designed building, tailored for events just like this one!
For the previous two years, the event’s location posed some challenges. Last year, Sacred Heart Parish graciously hosted the event, but it presented difficulties for moms with strollers navigating the stairs with their little ones. The year before that, we had to make do with the semi-emptied space of Gianna’s Java and Gelato. Needless to say, we were so excited to welcome the Knights and families in need into our new space.
The day began early this time, with families lining up around 7 a.m. Oct. 7, eager to gather coats, gloves, and hats for their children. By 9 a.m., when the doors opened, the line had wrapped around half of the building; a stark reminder of the pressing need for warmth and support within our community. Moreover, the recent change in weather and drop in temperature in Lincoln reminded us all that winter is coming.
As the event kicked off, the Knights, student volunteers and CSS staff came together to make sure that everyone was accommodated. This included providing interpreters for recently arrived refugee families from Afghanistan, Ukraine, Iraq, Syria, and South Sudan.
Among the many heartwarming moments of the morning, there was one time I glimpsed into the large room of coats and saw a Knight helping a 3-year-old try on different pairs of gloves. It was an image of kindness and compassion that captured the spirit of the day!
A second moment occurred when I was at the door, welcoming families inside, and two young boys approached. They rode their bikes to CSS at the request of their parents, who were already at work. We were able to outfit those young boys with coats, hats, and gloves for their ride home.
Another moment was when a mother of three traded in her children’s coats from the previous year as a gesture of gratitude for the coats they received this year. It was a good reminder, both of the impact these acts of kindness have on families in need, and that even for families who struggle, to the best that they are able, it is an opportunity for them to participate in the act of charity.
Overall, the organization and joyful spirit of the Knights, CSS staff, and other volunteers made for a memorable morning. Together, we gave out nearly 500 coats, along with donated hats, scarves, and gloves. Parishioners from St. Joseph in Lincoln added to the event by contributing baked goods, including cookies and brownies, for the children to enjoy.
All in all, it was a beautiful day defined by charity and goodness and a reminder of how important volunteerism is when it comes to serving our neighbors in need. Thank you to all the Knights and everyone who donated coats, hats, gloves, and scarves. You have indeed contributed to the start of the giving season, as well as the peace and happiness of our clients in need. Thank you and may God bless you!
