K of C donate to local organizations
The Knights of Columbus Council #4148 presented a check to the Veterans Angels to be used for Quilts of Valor for veterans. From left are Knights of Columbus member Don Sherbring, Rosalie Kickbush, Joyce Voss, Phoebe Johnson, Jeanne Eilers, and Knight Adam Scherbring. (Photo submitted)
By Caroline Rosacker
The Knights of Columbus was founded by Venerable Father Michael J McGivney at St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Conn. in 1882. It is the world's largest lay Catholic organization, with more than 2 million members worldwide. The 130-year-old organization's original intent was to provide welfare and security for families during times of sickness and death. It has grown throughout the years, and the Knights donated more than 70 million volunteer hours and $158 million to charitable entities.
Knights of Columbus Council #4148
The local Knights of Columbus Council #4148 was founded on Dec. 18, 1955. They currently have approximately 150 members. "As with so many organizations, new membership is always a challenge," said Robert Kies, council representative. "The median age of our members is 64. We are always looking for new members. To be a member you have to be a practicing Catholic male age 18 or over."
Imagine the Possibilities donation
The local Knights of Columbus Council #4148 recently presented Imagine the Possibilities with a check from their annual Tootsie Roll Drive.
Imagine the Possibilities-Northeast Region, previously G & G Living Centers, provides a variety of services at over 20 sites located in Guttenberg, Garnavillo, Edgewood, Strawberry Point, and Manchester.
"The council’s donations used to go solely towards Imagine’s Special Olympics program. However, many of those events have been on hold due to COVID-19," commented Kies. "The past couple years, the funds have been used towards other special events and extracurricular activities."
"Most services offered by Imagine the Possibilities, Inc. are funded through the Medicaid program," said Regina A. Shafer, NE Regional Executive Director. "Special Olympics participation, as well as participation in other extracurricular activities and events, however, are not. Gifts from family, friends, and the community continue to make a difference. Each day, our goal is simple… to do more…to further fulfill our mission. The generosity of our donors allows us to enhance our services. Efforts like this are truly appreciated!"
"The Knight's Campaign for People with Intellectual Disabilities (CPID) allocates donated monies to be used for the benefit of people with intellectual disabilities and not to be used for the general operating expenses of the organization," noted Kies. "Imagine the Possibilities uses the money to help with the expenses of Special Olympics participation and lately, due to Covid-19, other programs."
Kies explained the breakdown of expenses, commenting, "We pay $19.50 for a case of Tootsie Rolls, and usually get four cases from the Iowa Knights of Columbus chapter. We pay the Iowa chapter back plus 10 percent of the total donations after the Tootsie Roll expense are subtracted. The Iowa Knights of Columbus uses 10 percent to fund their CPID programs and the rest we donate to Image the Possibilities. So, minus the expense for the Tootsie Rolls, the rest of the money collected gets donated, 90 percent local and 10 percent statewide."
In the past, the organization has donated to the local Scout troop for Eagle Scout projects, Wave of the Future, Vacation Bible School, and raises funds for St. Mary Immaculate Conception school, and helps pay the way for students to attend the National Catholic Youth Conference, held every other year in Indianapolis. "We have donated time and money to replace florescent lighting with LED lighting in both St. Mary Church and the school. We are currently fund-raising to replace the wooden handicap ramp at St. Mary with a concrete one and adding a handicap accessible door as well," Kies added.
Quilts of Valor donation
Chapter #4148 also made a donation to the Veterans Angels for the Quilts of Valor with proceeds from their November breakfast. "We are so grateful for the community support," he said.
The Iowa Quilts of Valor Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to covering service members and veterans touched by war with healing and comforting Quilts of Valor. Each quilt is carefully designed and stitched by dedicated volunteer quilters across the state.
For additional information or if you know a deserving veteran who would like a quilt contact local organizers, Joyce Kopecky at 563-252- 2145, or Rosalie Kickbush at 563-252-2427.
