It’s More than a Tootsie Roll
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” has 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, Conn. 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.
Councils’ participation in this campaign as well as many other fund-raising endeavors last year contributed to the $185 million and volunteered over 75 million hours last year helping various causes.
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” has frequently referred to as the “Tootsie Roll Drive.” It is a popular and successful fundraisers conducted by Knights of Columbus councils.
Supreme Council’s headquarters in New Haven, Conn. 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.
Councils’ participation in this campaign as well as many other fund-raising endeavors last year contributed to the $185 million and volunteered over 75 million hours last year helping various causes.
The Knights of Columbus not only conducts the “Tootsie Roll Drives” in their efforts to help people with intellectual and physical disabilities but has also partnered with the Special Olympics since its founding along with other programs.
Annually, Chief Solano Council 3585 at Holy Spirit Parish, raises thousands of dollars to benefit programs and events that benefit people with intellectual disabilities.
You can donate online by using our QR code.
