Patrick McBee helps Morgan County children stay warm with Hoodies from Heaven initiative in West Virginia schools

After retiring in 2021, Patrick McBee didn’t slow down. Subbing as an aide in Morgan County schools, West Virginia, he quickly noticed a troubling problem: many children didn’t have warm clothes for the winter. Even when they did, school security rules often meant kids couldn’t wear their coats indoors.

Seeing the chill on so many faces sparked an idea in Patrick’s mind — hoodies.

---

Turning a Simple Idea into a Community Effort

Patrick, a Knights of Columbus member for over 20 years, shared his idea with his council at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, the only Catholic church in Morgan County.

The council immediately embraced it, launching the Hoodies from Heaven initiative. The program collects donations of new or gently used hoodies to give to children who need them most.

Since its start in 2024, Hoodies from Heaven has delivered over 300 hoodies to students across six local schools. Each hoodie comes with a small note: “God loves you.”

---

Recognizing a Real Need

Patrick explained to EWTN News how he realized the scale of the issue. Speaking with the school board, he learned that over 1,000 families in Morgan County identify as needy, not including families who don’t seek government assistance.

His wife, Judy McBee, added that while support exists for babies and unwed mothers, older children often get overlooked.

“We saw that there were older kids suffering and wanted to help them out and let them know that they’re not forgotten about by God,” she said.

---

Hands-On Distribution

The hoodies are distributed by teachers and bus drivers, who see the children every day and know who needs them most.

“They’re the first line of defense,” Judy explained. “They give the hoodies to the kids who truly need them.”

Patrick shared a touching story about a young boy who received a hoodie. When asked if he had to give it back, the boy’s relief turned to pure joy when he realized it was his to keep.

“When I heard that, that broke my heart,” Judy said.

---

Extending the Reach Beyond Morgan County

Though Hoodies from Heaven primarily serves Morgan County, the initiative has reached others in need.

After severe flooding in southwestern West Virginia in September 2025, the McBees sent over 60 hoodies and some sweatpants to help affected families, working through local Catholic churches.

Judy hopes other Knights of Columbus councils will start similar programs.
“The people, they just come forth with their generosity … it’s amazing how easily this can work,” she said.

---

The Heart Behind Hoodies from Heaven

For Patrick and Judy, the hoodies are about more than just warmth — they’re about value, love, and God’s presence in a child’s life.

Judy, who grew up in a more affluent area of New Jersey, admitted that seeing the struggles of local children in West Virginia was heartbreaking.
“These kids are humble, appreciative, and extraordinary,” she said. “They’re not spoiled. They truly value what they receive.”

Patrick summed up the mission simply:
“If we can make just a couple of kids happy and warm, and remind them that God loves them, we hope it plants a seed that grows with them.”

---

What’s Next?

The McBees plan to expand Hoodies from Heaven to other regions and inspire similar programs across the country. Each donation, they hope, will continue to remind children that they are seen, cared for, and loved by God.

---

Summary

• Patrick McBee, a retired school aide in Morgan County, started the Hoodies from Heaven initiative to help children stay warm.

• The program is run through St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and supported by the Knights of Columbus.

• Since 2024, over 300 hoodies have been distributed in six local schools, each with a note saying “God loves you.”

• Hoodies have also been sent to disaster-stricken areas in West Virginia, extending the program’s reach.

• The McBees hope to inspire other communities to create similar programs for school-aged children in need.