Coats for Kids drive delivers warmth to hundreds of Wooster-area children

Wooster Knights of Columbus raise more than $7,200 to purchase 800 winter coats, partnering with local agencies to reach families in need.

Wooster Knights of Columbus Council 789 exceeded its fundraising goal and purchased more than 800 coats for local children through the national Coats for Kids program.

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Ellen Pill Ellen Pill The Bargain Hunter

Published November 21, 2025 - 5:00 a.m.

Since 2009 the Knights of Columbus has provided warm coats to over 1 million children through its Coats for Kids program. Wooster Knights of Columbus Council 789 joined in the project this year and has had a positive response from the community. The goal of the program is to ensure no child in North America goes without a coat during the winter months.

Larry Geraghty, grand knight of Wooster Council 789, explained how the local group got involved.

“We have a retired member who was a purchaser for a large retailer,” he said. “When he reviewed the costs, he was excited to see that the coats were a really good deal. His passion motivated our council to participate in this nationwide program and do the fundraising needed to purchase over 800 coats.”

They began fundraising in August, aiming to raise $7,000 to purchase around 700 coats. With an enthusiastic response to their efforts, they raised just over $7,200.

Coats are intended for children from toddlers through high school. To identify recipients, the group is working with a variety of community partners including People to People, St. Mary’s, Community Action, Trinity UCC and school districts.

Anyone interested in more information may call or email Geraghty at 937-243-3428 or KofC789@lg3.us.