KERNERSVILLE — Thanks to a partnership between Knights of Columbus Council 8509 and Hanes Hosiery in Winston-Salem,approximately $30,000 worth of T-shirts and socks is being distributed to charities that serve vulnerable populations across the Triad. The donation is the largest in history for the local Knights council.
Chuck Tierney, who chairs the Knights’ Coats for Kids campaign, initially connected with apparel company Hanes with the aim of supporting Veterans Helping Veterans Heal, a nonprofit that helps veterans transition out of homelessness. When that organization was unable to accept a large donation due to space limitations, Hanes asked the Knights council to explore more ways to distribute the surplus clothing. Working with local police departments, the Knights helped identify other nonprofits in need.
Among the additional recipients was Youth Focus in Greensboro, which provides support for runaway youth and children in abusive situations. The organization received approximately $4,000 worth of clothing.
Organizers described the effort as a collaborative success, noting it was “another great day for the Knights and a better one for the charities we serve.”
Pictured are Jana Foster-Harris, program manager of Youth Focus, and Tierney.
— Photos provided by Chuck Tierney