Rapid City, SD – The Knights of Columbus Council 8025 has supplied over 400 new coats to children served by the Children’s Home Society. The donation, part of the annual Coats for Kids effort, arrived in 18 crates and will be distributed across the agency’s residential care, day‑school, child‑advocacy and family‑engagement programs.
Community support fuels the coat drive
John Schlim, chairman of the council’s Coats for Kids bowling tournament, explained that the coats are funded through the January bowling event at Meadowood Lanes and the generosity of local businesses and individuals. The next tournament is scheduled for January 9.
Heather Hoeye, director of development at the Children’s Home Society, said many children arrive with only blankets, so a new coat provides both warmth and a vital self‑esteem boost. “I’ve seen children come with just blankets. So having a nice coat is a great self‑esteem boost,” she said.
How the coats reach families
Staff will match coats to children’s sizes in each program, and families are invited to try them on. “Sometimes we get to watch the kids try on the coats and see the joy in their faces,” Hoeye added.
Last year demand outpaced supply, especially for older boys, leaving some sizes unavailable. This year’s delivery aims to fill those gaps and ensure every child has a proper winter coat.
Getting involved
Families needing assistance can contact the Children’s Home Society on Mount Rushmore Road for support and referrals to community partners. Those interested in volunteering or contributing to the organization’s Christmas wish list are encouraged to reach out.
For more information on how to help with Coats for Kids or other outreach efforts, visit the Children’s Home Society’s website or contact Heather Hoeye at (605) 430‑3263 or via email at [email protected].
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
