On Saturday November16 and Saturday November 23 brother knights of Masconomo Council 1232 Knights of Columbus will spread throughout Manchester by-the Sea for the Order’s Campaign for Young People with Physical, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities commonly known as “the Tootsie Roll Drive”. Tootsie Rolls will be exchanged in thanks for donations placed in canisters held by Knights.

Between the hours of 9:00 am and 12:00 noon, Knights will solicit donations at convenient locations throughout the downtown including Crosby’s Market, Cape Ann Savings Bank, U.S. Post Office, and Dunkin’among others. Knights will also be accepting donations in Essex and Hamilton.

Grand Knight Stephen Kuhn noted, “Since 1970 the “Tootsie Roll drive” has collected and the Knights of Columbus has nationally distributed millions of dollars in support of young people with physical and intellectual disabilities. Most of these funds have been focused toward children and Special Olympics. The cause touches all communities; the need grows exponentially. Year after year Manchester residents and shoppers from throughout the area have dug deep into their pockets and given generously to this cause.

Locally over the years, a portion of funds collected have purchased specialized software, prosthetics, hearing aids, eye glasses and a variety of assistance required by area children to improve their sight, hearing, mobility and quality of life. We thank contributors in advance of the drive.”

Kuhn noted that two years ago a mother from Hamilton asked Past Grand Knight Phil Monahan, also a Hamilton resident, if the Knights of Masconomo Council 1232 could help her obtain a specialized mobility device that cost more than $3,500 to allow her profoundly disabled son the opportunity to exercise outside of his home.

On behalf of the mother and Council 1232, Monahan reached out to the Massachusetts’ Knights of Columbus headquarters which considered the request. As a result of the intervention and advocacy of Masconomo Council 1232, a young boy now has a custom adaptive tricycle and with his new mobility, a bright new outlook on his neighborhood. That is a real hometown example of why the Knights of Columbus annually extend a Tootsie Roll in exchange for funds to aid young people in need.

Manchester-Essex residents who know of families with similar special needs may request assistance by contacting: Grand Knight, Masconomo Council 1232 Knights of Columbus, PO Box 189 Manchester by-the Sea, MA 01944