Winter is hard enough for adults, but for children without proper outerwear, the cold can be dangerous. Thankfully, organizations like Knights of Columbus Council #3615 in Trenton, Michigan, are stepping in to ensure kids have the warmth and protection they need. Their signature Coats for Kids program provides new coats, hats, and gloves to children in need, helping them face winter safely and comfortably.
We wanted to share this heartwarming initiative and recognize the dedication of Michael Rutkowski, our CFO, who is deeply involved with Council #3615 and the Coats for Kids program. His service reflects a family legacy of community involvement and underscores the positive impact individuals can have in their local communities.
Who Are the Knights of Columbus?
Founded in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney, the Knights of Columbus is a global fraternal Catholic organization dedicated to charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. Originally created to support Catholic men and their families facing financial and labor challenges, the organization has grown into a worldwide network of councils working to improve communities through service.
Council #3615, officially Msgr. Eppenbrock Council #3615, has been serving the Trenton, Michigan community since 1953. Based out of St. Joseph Parish in Trenton and Our Lady of the Woods in Woodhaven, the council continues the Knights’ mission of providing meaningful support for families, charitable organizations, and community programs. For more information on Council #3615 and upcoming events, visit kofctrentonmi.org.
The Coats for Kids Program: A Tradition of Giving
One of the most impactful charitable efforts of the Knights of Columbus is the Coats for Kids program, which began in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada in 2008 and in the U.S. in 2009. The goal is simple yet profound: to provide children in need with brand-new winter coats and essentials so they can stay warm, healthy, and ready for school or play.
The program has grown exponentially. In Canada, the Knights aim to distribute around 40,000 coats in recent campaigns, and across North America, over one million coats have been donated to date. Local councils partner with schools, parishes, and community organizations to ensure the coats reach children who need them most.
For many children, a coat is not just a piece of clothing—it is safety, dignity, and confidence. Programs like Coats for Kids help children attend school comfortably, play outside with friends, and experience winter without the stress of inadequate clothing.
Michael Rutkowski: Service and Legacy
For Michael Rutkowski, Verduyn Tarps’ CFO and Deputy Grand Knight of Council #3615, involvement with the Knights of Columbus is deeply personal. His grandfather was an active Knight, serving in both the Third and Fourth Degrees, and even establishing a council in mid-Michigan after retirement. Michael embraced the same path when his oldest son, Anthony, was born 26 years ago, carrying on a family tradition of service and community involvement.
Today, Michael serves in both the Third-Degree council, which focuses on charity and community service, and the Fourth-Degree assembly, which emphasizes patriotism. Through the Coats for Kids program, he helps lead local initiatives that make a tangible difference in families’ lives.
“The Coats for Kids program is particularly meaningful because it allows us to give directly to children in our community,” Michael explains. “It’s rewarding to know that a simple coat can have such a significant impact—keeping a child safe, warm, and confident through the winter months.”
Why Coats for Kids Matters to Communities
While the mission is straightforward, the impact of Coats for Kids is far-reaching:
- Provides warmth and safety: Children face fewer health risks and can focus on learning and social activities.
- Supports families in need: Parents and caregivers experience relief knowing their children are protected against harsh weather.
- Builds community spirit: Volunteers, parishes, and local organizations collaborate to ensure children receive coats, fostering a sense of solidarity and shared purpose.
The program also demonstrates how faith in action can meet practical needs. It is a reminder that even a seemingly small act—like giving a child a warm coat—can have a lasting effect on a family and community.
How Truckers and Community Members Can Get Involved
Even from the road, U.S. truckers and local community members can make a meaningful difference:
- Donate: Financial contributions help councils purchase new coats for children.
- Spread the word: Share information about local coat drives so families in need know where to go.
- Volunteer: Participate in sorting, organizing, or distributing coats through local councils or community organizations.
- Partner with schools or parishes: Help identify children and families who would benefit from winter gear.
Every coat donated and every volunteer hour ensures that children can face winter with dignity and comfort.
The Everlasting Impact
Programs like Coats for Kids are evergreen in their importance. While the seasons change, the need for warmth, care, and community support remains constant. Through the hard work of people like Michael Rutkowski and thousands of Knights of Columbus members across North America, countless children continue to enter winter safe, warm, and cared for.
For more information on Council #3615, upcoming events, or the Coats for Kids program, visit: kofctrentonmi.org.
Vivat Jesus — may every child face winter with warmth, confidence, and the support of a caring community.
