Springbrook Elementary kicked off the winter season with an extraordinary act of community support as kindergartners and first graders received brand-new coats and handmade hats, thanks to a long-standing partnership between the Knights of Columbus, Communities In Schools of South King County, and the Kent School District (KSD).
This annual tradition brings together organizations dedicated to supporting students and strengthening the district’s commitment to OneKSD—a community united in care, connection, and collaboration.
Executive Director for Communities In Schools of South King County David de la Fuente expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership and the joy it brings.
"I'm really pleased to be here today to be part of this great partnership between the Kent School District and Springbrook Elementary, and the Knights of Columbus, and Communities In Schools. And we all come together every year to get some kids some homemade hats and some coats for the fall and winter weather, and we're happy to do it. It seems to give the kids a lot of joy, and it gives us a lot of joy, too."
Springbrook Principal Arneidra Lloyd shared her gratitude for the support shown to her school’s youngest learners.
"We are very thankful to the Knights of Columbus and Communities In Schools coming together to support the students of Springbrook Elementary School, providing kindergartners and first graders coats and some of the best well-knit hats that we've ever seen. We thank these organizations for helping to keep our students warm during these winter months. We know that now more than ever, as a KSD community, we need to stay together to support our families and each other through this time."
Representing the Knights of Columbus at St. John the Baptist Church, Mark Wood spoke about the efforts that make this annual donation possible.
"Today, we're handing out coats at Springbrook Elementary School. We've done fundraisers throughout the years—apple sales, cherry sales—and all those proceeds go into buying coats that fit the elementary school kids. Hopefully they'll take a coat home today and a hat that they will enjoy."
Students beamed with excitement as they selected their new winter gear, filling the school with gratitude and smiling faces. The event served as a meaningful reminder of the powerful impact that community partnerships can have—especially when supporting students' well-being.
Through acts of kindness like this one, Springbrook Elementary and its partners embody what it means to be OneKSD: connected, caring,