SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Local groups are trying to make sure Vermont children stay warm this winter.
The Knights of Columbus of South Burlington received more than 100 coats from the Coats for Kids Campaign, a statewide effort to distribute coats to children of all ages. Other branches of the group from Rutland to the Northeast Kingdom will work with schools and other groups to distribute the coats.
The organization’s Keith Mandart says the rise in homelessness has made the drive even more pertinent. “It has given them the incentive to help us out to keep these children warm. Obviously, they need to stay warm. We have all seen kids going to school with just a light jacket on or a t-shirt or just a shirt on in the coldest of weather,” he said.
Children should be receiving the jackets in the next couple of weeks.