"Compassionate Community" Helps K of C Raise $7,765 For Mentally Handicapped

Change donations collected by the Knights of Columbus Council 1231 will assist local handicapped citizens.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - Your change donations in exchange for Tootsie Rolls helped the Lawrenceburg Knights of Columbus raise more than $7,700 for local causes.

The K of C held their 2019 Tootsie Roll Drive on May 10 and 11 – a weekend which Lawrenceburg Mayor Kelly Mollaun declared Tootsie Roll Weekend. Members wore yellow smocks and took donations at storefronts around the area. For each donation of spare change or a few dollars, they would offer a Tootsie Roll.

Campaign chairman Jim Hamill says the generous donations totaled $7,765.80.

The money has been divided amongst a few local organizations: $2,088.60 each for New Horizons Rehabilitation and Special Education Cooperative of Sunman; $1,038.60 for Special Olympics Ripley-Ohio-Dearborn; $500 for Special Olympics Polar Plunge; $250 for Special Olympics Fire Truck Pull; $1,000 to ARC of Dearborn County; and $500 to the Batesville Catholic Church Deanery Adult Religious Education Program.

Stores are being thanked for allowing Knights to collect donations. Those include AmeriStop Food Mart, CVS Pharmacy, In & Out Mart/VP Racing Fuels, Kroger, Orscheln Farm & Home Supply, Whitey’s Liquor Store, Whitey’s Package Store, and Whitey’s Wine & Liquor.

“The collection at each of these locations is vitally important to the overall success of this endeavor,” said Hamill, also recognizing the “positively dynamic efforts of the council membership, wives, and youths in achieving such an outstanding total.”

The Knights also extend thanks to all those in the area who generously contributed. “The collection absolutely reflects a magnanimous local community and region with a great heart.”

Since 1978, Knights of Columbus Council 1231 has given $257,665.03 for area agencies and programs assisting mentally handicapped individuals.