Knights’ Tootsie Roll Drive April 20-22 in Prairie du Chien
By Correne Martin
The Prairie du Chien Knights of Columbus are sponsoring their annual Tootsie Roll Drive once again. Volunteers will be stationed across the community next month offering the tiny treats in exchange for goodwill donations, which will be directed to three local charities—with the main benefactors being organizations that support people with intellectual disabilities.
The Tootsie Roll Drive will be April 20-22, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Community members wishing to support the fundraiser can find event volunteers from both the Knights of Columbus and the Prairie Catholic Jaywalkers at the entrances to Walmart, Piggly Wiggly and (Saturday only) Nelson True Value. The Tootsie Rolls will also be available after Holy Family Parish church masses that weekend.
Fundraiser proceeds are slated to be donated to Wisconsin Badger Camp, the Opportunity Center and Prairie Catholic School. A portion is also going toward the national Knights of Columbus organization’s chosen charities.
New this year, according to event coordinator and Knight Carl Seputis, the KCs plan to approach local businesses seeking sponsorships. Cases of the Tootsie Rolls can be provided in exchange for a sponsorship.
“Businesses like to give them as gifts to employees or customers,” Seputis said.
On average, Seputis said, $3,000 to $4,000 is raised during the annual drive.
“The community has been very generous in support of this,” he noted.
Business owners/reps interested may contact Steve Mercaitis at (608) 988-4556.
In exchange for a small donation, customers can take home a freshly made Tootsie Roll, straight from Tootsie Roll Industries and produced especially for this event. Seputis said each rolled chocolate confection comes in a wrapper with information about the Knights of Columbus and their special yearly drive.
