The Peru Gazette

Photo L-R Peru K-2 School Nurse Kathy Bedard, K-2 Principal Michelle Rawson, St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 Deputy Grand Knight Robert Manchester.

By John T. Ryan

Peru – On Thursday, November 2nd, St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 Deputy Grand Knight Robert Manchester presented twenty-four new children’s winter jackets to K-2 Principal Michelle Rawson and School Nurse Kathy Bedard. Kathy Bedard commented, “As the weather gets colder we see children, especially at recess, who need the extra warmth. There definitely is a need. The children are very happy to receive them.”

The Knights of Columbus began a Coats for Kids Program during the 2009 recession. Since 2013 the Peru Knights have distributed 120 jackets at the Peru Elementary School. The 2,000 Knights of Columbus Councils in the United States and Canada have distributed nearly 400,000 coats, including 88,000 during the past year.