In 2001, Knights reported raising $17.8 million Orderwide for programs for persons with mental disabilities, and another $5 million for those with physical disabilities and Special Olympics.

In February the Supreme Council donated $1 million to the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games, to help cover travel costs for athletes from the United States, Canada and Mexico to the games in Dublin, Ireland.

In addition to their charitable giving, Knights annually volunteer millions of hours. Knights visit persons with disabilities in group homes, transport them to Sunday Mass, hold Christmas and Valentine’s Day parties, help at Special Olympics or other sports and cultural events, build access ramps at churches, and construct ramps and elevators in private homes. POSITIVE REACTIONS
The fund drive is the main project for many councils.

Hot Springs (Ark.) Council 6419 conducts drives outside two local Wal-Mart stores to provide funds for First Step Alternative School for children with learning disabilities.

“We get very positive reactions from people when they see us,” said Grand Knight Raymond J. Kukuk. Though the number of Catholics in the area is small, the people “appreciate the charitable aspect and the good cause we’re working for,” Kukuk said. Richard J. Stachelek of Father Frederick H. Suggs Council 6892 in Irmo, S.C., said that asking for donations in public can be a humbling experience. “Some guys may not feel right about it at first, but I tell them that they’re asking for others who are more needy, not for themselves,” he said. “Once you get out there and deal with the public, and see how willing people are to help, you’re reluctant to leave at the end of your shift. You’re having such a good time.”