When you see Knights in yellow vests that read “Helping People with Intellectual Disabilities,” you should smile. When these Knights are holding their bright cans and collecting donations around town, they are helping to recognize the dignity of every person.
For every donation, each donor is offered a piece of candy by the Knight present, most commonly a Tootsie Roll. Because of these little gifts of appreciation, the “Campaign for People with Intellectual Disabilities” is frequently referred to as the “Tootsie Roll Drive.” It is a popular and successful fundraiser conducted by Knights of Columbus councils.
Supreme Council’s headquarters in New Haven, Connecticut is often referred to as the “Tootsie Roll building” by locals because of its round columns and brown color, but the Knights actually have no official ties to Tootsie Roll Industries. And of course, the campaign, which stretches back decades, is about more than just candy – it is about serving those with intellectual and physical disabilities.
Recently, the Knights of Columbus Council 4556 -Our Lady Queen of Peace presented the Sacred Heart Special Needs Program, Imlay City Parish with a donation of $681.24 to be used for helping individuals with intellectual disabilities.
—Our Lady Queen of Peace, Knights of Columbus #4556
