Knights raise awareness, funds in Madison Oct. 21-22

Staff Reports, Madison Record
(Updated: Friday, October 20, 2006 2:18 PM CDT)

The Knights of Columbus will conduct its annual drive Oct. 21 and 22 throughout Madison to collect money for people with intellectual disabilities.

This is the 28th year for the drive with $3.7 million collected statewide.

Local councils distribute 80 percent of those proceeds to support special education programs for students and adults in their communities. The remaining 20 percent is distributed by the Knights of Columbus at the state level to special needs organizations.

The money is earmarked for capital equipment items, such as playground equipment, computer hardware and software, educational materials, beds, wheelchairs, and other needed items.

A portion of the funds is also used as seed money to help organization acquire new handicapped equipped vans and buses for client transportation.

Knights of Columbus Madison Council, St. John's Catholic Church Council 10232 will wear yellow and orange aprons and handout Tootsie Rolls in exchange for donations Oct. 21 and 22 at Madison Wal-Mart Supercenter, Kroger and Southern Family Market.

The event raised $160,000 in 2005. In 2006, Gov. Bob Riley declared October as Knights of Columbus Awareness Month for Citizens with Intellectual Disabilities.

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