Members of the Knights of Columbus will be out this weekend for the Campaign for People with Intellectual Disabilities.
On Friday, Oct. 3 and Saturday, Oct. 4, members will be scattered at stores throughout the community accepting donations in exchange for Tootsie Rolls.
They will be located at Johnson’s in Downtown Gadsden, Johnson’s in Attalla, Johnson’s in Hokes Bluff, Winn Dixie in Rainbow City, Piggly Wiggly in Hokes Bluff and Goodyear.
They will be taking donations again on Friday, Oct. 10 and Saturday, Oct. 11 at both Wal-Marts in Etowah County.
All of the profits are donated to organizations that help people with intellectual disabilities.
Last year the campaign raised over $8,000. They donated the money to four centers, which are Smelter Center, Snellgrove Center, Etowah Training Center and Cherokee Training Center.
The Knights of Columbus have put an emphasis on programs that benefit people with intellectual disabilities. Collectively the organization has collected more than one billion dollars for the cause and donated nearly 600 million hours of community service to those in need.
The Tootsie Rolls the Knights of Columbus distribute have a message printed on them thanking donors for their support. More information about the Knights of Columbus is printed inside the wrapper.
The Knights of Columbus was founded in New Haven, Connecticut in 1882. Father Michael J. McGivney, an assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church, some of his parishioners, and the Connecticut State Legislature chartered the Catholic fraternal benefit society.
The organization’s founding ideals of unity, patriotism, fraternity and charity are still the main focus of the members.
The Knights of Columbus has grown from one small council of members to 1.7 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Gaum and Spain.