Tootsie Roll Drive
On Saturday October 10th Knights of Masconomo Council 1232 Knights of Columbus will spread throughout Manchester by-the Sea, Essex and Hamilton for the Order’s Annual Campaign for People with Intellectual Disabilities commonly known as “the Tootsie Roll Drive”. Tootsie Rolls will be exchanged in thanks for cash donations placed in canisters held by Knights wearing yellow vests.
Between the hours of 9:00 am and 2:00 pm, Knights will solicit donations at convenient locations throughout the downtowns including Crosby’s Markets, Cape Ann Savings Bank, U.S. Post Office, Dunkin Donuts and Santander Bank among others. With regard to the corona virus pandemic, participating
Knights have established and will be observing appropriate social distancing protocols this year. The option of online giving also will be available for the drive.
Grand Knight Bill Busta noted, “Since 1970 the “Tootsie Roll drive” has collected and the Knights of Columbus has nationally distributed millions of dollars in support of people with intellectual disabilities. Most of these funds have been focused toward children and Special Olympics. The cause touches all communities where the need has grown enormously. Year after year Manchester by the Sea and Essex residents and shoppers from throughout the Cape Ann have dug deep into their pockets and given generously to this cause. Locally a portion of those funds collected have purchased specialized software, prosthetics and other assistance required by area children. We thank contributors in advance of the drive and wish them a safe and enjoyable fall.”