Columbus Charities

The Tootsie Roll Program “Helping People With Disabilities”, sponsored by Washington State Knights  of Columbus through Columbus Charities 501 (c) 3 non-profit, holds annual Tootsie Roll Drives at various locations (Walmart, Fred Meyer, Safeway, local grocery stores outlets, etc.) collecting donations. The program is traditionally held September 15th-October 30th, however is not limited to that period. A tootsie roll is given to everyone whether they donate or not, however this year that will not be possible.

Due to the COVID pandemic, the Tootsie Roll Drive 2020-2021 Program will not be held. To continue to provide benefactors with much needed funds, we are asking for donations through this GoFundMe outlet in support our Tootsie Roll Campaign.

All funds collected benefit over 85 local and national organizations with the greatest recipient being Special Olympics Washington. All funds collected go to the disabled, less minimal product and printing cost of approximately six cents on the dollar, less with no product required. Eighty percent of these funds are available for local council distribution while the remaining twenty percent is specifically designated to Special Olympics Washington.

Traditionally, over $130,000 annually has been collected in our annual campaign. Special Olympics Washington receives approximately $38,000 each year because of the program. Knights of Columbus is the Community Volunteer Sponsor of the Year and has provided $25,000 each year to the Special Olympics Washington Breakfast of Champions in Seattle and Spokane. That ability is now in jeopardy.

Fifty-eight councils statewide participated last year and raised over $133,000. This year, with COVID, we are asking Councils, parishioners, local support and individuals to contribute in this non-denominational program.

HOW TO SUPPORT:

·       PROVIDE YOUR NAME (FIRST AND LAST NAME)

·       LOCAL COUNCIL NUMBER (IF KNOWN) for distribution

·       IF A COUNCIL DESIGNATION IS NOT INDICATED, FUNDS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO SPECIAL OLYMPICS WASHINGTON AND KC HELP (medical equipment loan program for those in need)

·       IF DESIRED, PROVIDE AN ADDRESS FOR A 501 (c) 3 contribution letter

·       TOOTSIE ROLLS MAYBE PROVIDED UPON REQUEST, SUBJECT TO         AVAILABILITY

 

PLEASE SHARE THIS CAUSE WITH FRIENDS, COUNCIL MEMBERS, CONGREGATION AND FAMILY FOR THIS MOST WORTHY NON-DENOMINATIONAL PROGRAM!