LAKELAND, FL (Sept. 1, 2017) – As part of its ongoing commitment to charity, a Lakeland-based Knights of Columbus council is spearheading a relief effort to provide essential items for babies and toddlers in Texas victimized by Hurricane Harvey.
When leaders of K of C Council 13563 San Juan Diego Primero launched the drive as the hurricane was bearing down on the Texas coastline, it was viewed as basically a local charity project. However, it has now evolved into an area-wide initiative with four other Lakeland-based K of C councils — St. Joseph 2505, St. Anthony 11651, St. John Neumann 13907 and St. Elizabeth Seton 10169 — now lending their support. Additional councils in Polk County are also expected to come on board.
“We are grateful for and very impressed with the outpouring of support we have received for this initiative from other K of C councils and friends of the K of C. By working closely together, we are confident we will achieve our goal of providing much needed relief for babies and toddlers who are in need of basic items as a result of Hurricane Harvey,” said Juan G. Casasnovas, financial secretary of the sponsor council, which is affiliated with Resurrection Catholic Church in Lakeland.
Products that are being gathered for delivery to flood victims include baby and toddler diapers, diaper rash ointment, wipes, baby bottles, pacifiers, nipple cream, baby towels and bibs, as well as clothing for babies and toddlers.
People who wish to donate items can drop them off at four conveniently located churches in Lakeland: Resurrection at 3720 Old Highway 37, St. Joseph at 210 West Lemon Street, St. John Neumann at 501 East Carter Road and St. Anthony at 820 Marcum Road. Additional drop off points in other communities in Polk and possibly nearby counties will be established as the drive continues to grow.
The Home Depot store in Mulberry gave the charity project a big boost by donating pallets, boxes, shrink wrap and tape for use in shipping the donated goods to Texas.
Casasnovas said the K of C will provide pick up service for people who wish to donate items but can’t get to one of the collection points.
In addition to donations of essential items for babies and toddlers, the K of C welcomes participation by volunteers who can help coordinate the receipt of donated items and their shipment to Texas.
People who are interested in donating baby and toddler items or obtaining more information on this charity project can contact Casasnovas by calling 787-568-5242 or by sending an email to <casasnovas@gmail.com>.
–30–