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Cemetery Clean-Up Project One of the events that we do three to four times a year is to clean up the cemetery in back of the church. This has become a Knights’ project and is greatly appreciated by the families of those interned in the cemetery.  Garden of Innocence Donation A most sincere thank you to our brother Ken Franke, his son Randy, and wife Lavern who along with Sophie Costas and Mary Olvera built and lined 12 caskets to be used as needed at the Garden of Innocence. Ken presented them to Elissa Davey, who has spearheaded the drive for the Garden, and she was most appreciative of this generous donation. For those of you not familiar with the Garden of Innocence, you might check their website.
Blood Drive Our Council held its second annual blood drive recently aollected 53 pints of blood which will help save many lives. As a parish, St. Therese has committed to holding four blood drives a year, so for you consistent donors, please keep this in mind. The nickname is understandable, but misleading. One of the most popular and successful programs conducted by Knights of Columbus state and local councils for the benefit of people with intellectual disabilities is the fund-raiser in which councils collect donations outside stores and on street corners. In appreciation, the donor is offered a candy bar, often a Tootsie Roll. The high visibility of this program has led to the campaign being referred to as the “Tootsie Roll Drive. The Knights of Columbus has no official tie to Tootsie Rolls or their manufacturer. In fact, many councils participate in the same fund-raising drive, but distribute other items. References to this program should highlight the good the money does, not advertise a candy bar. For these reasons, it is strongly recommended that this project be promoted as the “Campaign for People with Intellectual Disabilities” rather than the “Tootsie Roll Drive.” Since 2003, the Knights of Columbus has funded the delivery of tens of thousands of wheelchairs around the world, and right here at home. Thousands of veterans and their families across the United States in need of wheelchairs have received new mobility, and honor the Knights with their thanks and prayers. The St. Therese of Carmel Knights’ Council has donated to this worthwhile charity for the last several years. Columbian Charities (365 Club) In 1955 the State Council created California Columbian Charities Inc. The charity is dedicated to assisting Brothers in distress, including widows. For over fifty years the charity has worked steadily to implement the first principle of our Order, Charity, and to fulfill Father McGivney’s mandate – “Brother helping Brother.” The Charity asks Knights to donate just one penny a day to continue assisting Brothers in distress. The 365 Club is the primary means of raising funds for California Columbian Charity. The money is presented to the Charity during the Parade of the Grand Knights at the State Convention. In 2008 our Council had the misfortune of having a Knight in financial distress. Our Council donated over $2,500 to help our Brother Knight out. In addition, the Columbian Charities recognized the need and contributed an additional $3,000. This is clear proof of the value of this Charity to help Knights and their families. |
