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Knights of Columbus Bishop Busch Council 4863 |
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Katrina, Catholic Charities, and KCWhen hurricane Katrina puréed the gulf coast and headed inland, hundreds of thousands of people were left with no homes and no jobs. This may be the worst natural disaster to hit the USA in a hundred years. After survivors are found, fed, and moved to safety, the hard work of rebuilding the lower Mississippi will start. The Knights of Columbus (KC) started providing relief funds for the victims of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida days after the storm hit. People's homes and livelihoods were shredded by Katrina. About 130 Catholic schools were destroyed or damaged beyond repair, too. Besides helping people put home and business back on the map, the KC plan to help rebuild those Catholic schools. In addition to KC efforts, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson said, "we are also asking our members to support the collection appeal of the United States Council of Catholic Bishops, and are looking into the possibility of establishing a job bank for those displaced." Many members of the KC who near the affected areas are volunteering their homes, personal time, and supplies to survivors. With thousands of people coming to Minnesota, with their first stop in Camp Ripley, near Little Falls, we may have a chance to do the same. Outfits like Catholic Charities USA are experienced in disaster relief. Catholic Charities agencies in Florida are still providing services to help people recover from last year's hurricanes. When Catholic Charities gets involved in a disaster, they deal with the immediate emergencies. But they're also interested in helping communities get back on their feet. The Knights of Columbus and Catholic Charities could both use financial help. Here's how to contact them: Catholic Charities Mail checks to Catholic Charities USA Knights of Columbus People in the United States should make checks payable to Knights of Columbus Charities USA and send them to: Knights of Columbus Charities USA Inc.Attention: Gulf States Disaster Relief Gift Processing Center PO Box 9028 Pittsfield, MA 01202-9028 The KC says that 100% of contributions will go directly to hurricane relief, and all donations to Knights of Columbus Charities are tax-deductible for US citizens. There's more information at the Knights of Columbus website, www.kofc.org, and the Catholic Charities USA website, www.catholiccharitiesusa.org. (Facts are from the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Charities, and the Star Tribune (Sept 4, 2005).) Brian H. Gill, Editor, Sauk Centre K of C Bulletin |
September 2005 |