Knights of Columbus donate new coats for area children in McHenry County
The Knights of Columbus Council 3880 raised money to help area children and teens in need during a recent "Coats for Kids" benefit.
The council, based at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Crystal Lake, held a fundraiser to purchase new coats for children on Aug. 31 at Crystal Lake Brewing, located in downtown Crystal Lake.
The Knights cooked and sold food for the benefit, while attendees enjoyed beverages sold by Crystal Lake Brewing. Through the group's efforts, the Knights organization has been able to provide 48 new coats for local children and teens in need at Turning Point of McHenry County, according to Joe Scherb, chairman of Coats for Kids.
"We would like to thank everyone who joined and participated in the event," Scherb said. "We really appreciate their support to help make the night a success."
Turning Point is a domestic violence agency that provides services - such as shelter, food, clothing - to women, men and children throughout the county. The coats will help children and teens who sometimes arrive at Turning Point without their own belongings. When women and children flee domestic troubles at home, they often are forced to leave their possessions behind them.
"We are so grateful for the support from Knights of Columbus and Crystal Lake Brewing," said Turning Point shelter coordinator Mindy Iverson. "When clients enter our shelter, they often aren't able to provide basic needs for their children so the donation of new winter coats is so critical."
Crystal Lake Brewing hosted the fundraiser and donated a percentage of beverage sales to help buy coats for kids.
Beth Alberger, general manager of Crystal Lake Brewing, said Crystal Lake Brewing donated about $225 to the Knight's fundraiser.
Fast Forward Marketing of Crystal Lake contributed advertisements and publicity. Owner Vanessa Baker said she was happy to partner with the Knights, Turning Point and the brewery.
"It feels good to know children and teens will have warm coats this winter," Baker said. "Turning Point does such good work in the community. We are proud to support them."
More information about the Knights of Columbus is available at kofc.org/joinus.