Volunteers needed for Crane’s First Coats for Kids event

The first-ever Coats for Kids event in Crane is coming to the community, and organizers are looking for volunteers to help make the project a success.

Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and hosted locally by the Stone County Library and Stone County Historical Society, the Coats for Kids program will provide winter coats and other necessities to children in the community at no cost.

The event will be held Saturday, Oct. 10, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Crane Christian Church and Community Center, located at 106 E. Edgewood in Crane. Organizers are asking volunteers to arrive at the community center at 11 a.m. to help prepare for the event.

Ron White, president of the Stone County Historical Society, said the organization is excited to bring the program to Crane and emphasized the importance of community members stepping forward to help.

“First inaugural coats for kids Crane is sponsored by Knights of Columbus. Hosted by Stone County Library and Stone County Historical Society, it is a great program to help children keep warm this winter. We are in need of volunteers to help us make this project a success for our community. Volunteers need to meet at the community center at 11 a.m. on the day.”

The Knights of Columbus’ Coats for Kids program was created to help provide new winter coats to children in need. According to information provided by the organization, councils across North America can purchase new winter coats at a discounted price and distribute them free of charge in their local communities.

The need for the program continues to grow. From 2017 through 2025, Coats for Kids events attracted more than 17,000 children, teens and parents. In 2025 alone, events distributed 5,292 coats, exceeding the goal of 3,500 coats. Organizers estimate that 2026 could see more than 6,000 coats distributed.

The Crane event will also offer more than winter coats. Free books, hygiene supplies and food bags will be available through partnerships with local organizations, including the North Stone County Food Pantry and Stone County Health Department.

With the event approaching, volunteers are an important part of making the day run smoothly. Community members can help with preparations, organizing materials, assisting families and other tasks needed throughout the event.

Organizers encourage anyone who is willing to lend a hand to come to the Crane Christian Church and Community Center at 11 a.m. Oct. 10.

The event is designed to help local children enter the colder months with warm clothing and needed resources, but organizers say it will take community involvement to make the first Crane Coats for Kids event a success.