Knights drop big money on local schools
By Patrick Lynn
The Stevens Point Knights of Columbus Council 1170 has donated just over $4,000 for special education programs in local schools.
Members of the KoC recently delivered checks to SPASH, Pacelli Catholic Schools, Ben Franklin Jr. High, and P.J. Jacobs Jr. High.
The money comes from an annual donation campaign conducted throughout the community each spring.
“The program is known as the Campaign for People with Intellectual Disabilities,” a news release from KoC reads in part. “Perhaps you have seen the KCs collecting donations at area stores and churches and offering Tootsie Rolls as a ‘thank you.'”
Andrea Marty, from the SPASH Special Education Department, said she was grateful for the donation, which helps cover the cost of educational materials not included in the department’s normal budget.
“Among other things, the funds are planned to be used to provide opportunities for students to attend conferences and events, fidgets for students to use in classes, and flexible seating options,” she said.
Over the past five years, the Stevens Point KC Council 1170 has distributed over $20,000 to area schools.
The program originally began in 1970 with three Brother Knights from a Council in the Chicago area. Today, some of the money raised also goes to supporting the Special Olympics.