When you see Knights in yellow vests that read “Helping People with Intellectual Disabilities,” you should smile. When these Knights are holding their bright cans and collecting donations around town, they are helping to recognize the dignity of every person.

For every donation, each donor is offered a piece of candy by the Knight present, most commonly a Tootsie Roll. Because of these little gifts of appreciation, the “Campaign for People with Intellectual Disabilities” has frequently referred to as the “Tootsie Roll Drive.” It is a popular and successful fundraisers conducted by Knights of Columbus councils.

Councils’ participation in this campaign as well as many other fund-raising endeavors last year contributed to the $185 million and volunteered over 75 million hours last year helping various causes.
So the next time you see a Knight in a yellow vest asking for donations outside a grocery store, and you receive a Tootsie Roll, remember it’s more than a “Tootsie Roll Drive.” It’s a chance to provide people with
intellectual and physical disabilities more resources to live a happy life.

Thank you,

Tony Lupo, Tootsie Roll Drive Co-Chair, Knights of Columbus Council 1529

Tootsie Roll Drive - Knights of Columbus Columbia Missouri

By Knights of Columbus Council 1529

Tootsie Roll Drive - Knights of Columbus Columbia Missouri

Team Members