There are obvious advantages of being a grown-up, other than getting to stay up later at night.
For example, being an adult, barring any horizontal growth, one can use the same warm winter coat year after year. Not so with children, as they are constantly growing not only horizontally, but vertically, too. This means that children usually need a new winter coat on a yearly basis, depending on their rate of growth. This makes it a challenge for some families who are struggling – especially when there are multiple children.
I am grateful to the Knights of Columbus for holding the second annual children’s coat giveaway. It was held Saturday, Nov. 12 at the beautiful St. Joseph Center, where our main social services and Gianna’s Java & Gelato are located. With the help of multiple councils across the state of Nebraska, more than 1,000 new winter coats were given away to children, young and old. Included in the mix were hats and gloves.
In addition to the many Knights, former Heisman Trophy winner Johnny “The Jet” Rogers, first responders from the police and fire departments, UNL athletes and former NFL great Chris Bober were on hand to greet the children. They were also treated to hot dogs, chips and a drink.
On the evening of Thursday, Nov. 10, I had a chance to catch up with Mike Conrad, the supreme director of the Knights of Columbus and member of St. John Parish in Ft. Calhoun. He and a large group of Knights and wives unpacked many of the coats and arranged them, according to sizes, on tables in our Guadalupe Center. Their charity and enthusiasm were infectious. I knew that the only reason they were conducting this coat giveaway was for their love for Jesus Christ who lives in the poor. They knew they were directly helping Jesus Christ (Mt 25:31-46).
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Knights of Columbus and all who were involved with this effort, and all of our benefactors who make it possible to help the many needy individuals and families who come to us in need on a daily basis.
As the winter is upon us, we will be needing more winter clothing items, including coats, hats, scarfs, socks, boots, gloves, and mittens.
We will also need sleeping bags, because among the many needy individuals – young and old – who will need these items, some will be homeless.
Please know that we at Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska will keep you, your families and intentions in our prayers!
