My Brother Knights,
As the sun rises on my old Kentucky home this morning, the Kentucky Knights of Columbus is embarking on our most critical mission ever. Friday night and early Saturday morning, much of our commonwealth was impacted by historical tornadoes. We have confirmed devastation in three of our four Dioceses. In many areas, the loss of human lives and economic impact is truly devastating. Many of our neighbors are left to face the coming winter in dire need of our assistance. I have received reports of people escaping their destroyed homes barefoot and in pajamas to be left standing in a cold, pounding rain. Our first responders are doing all they can to treat the injured and mitigate the further loss of human life. Please pray for these men and women, for the strength to accomplish this daunting task.
I called the Kentucky State Council into session Saturday evening via Zoom, to gather information and identify those areas most in need of our assistance, and to determine what is the best way to assist at this moment. I have charged our councils to activate in their area to assist their brother knights, their fellow Catholic neighbors, and their communities. The councils have been instructed to contact me as State Deputy and let me know what they need from the State Council regarding contributions. Right now, physical presence in affected areas is not an option for most of us. Our State Police have restricted access to these areas to first responders and residents. For now, what is needed the most is prayers and monetary contributions. The Kentucky State Council will run our efforts through our Charities board. In some instances, we will send money to local councils to purchase food, clothing, etc. as needed. We may also be called upon to load trucks with specific supplies and deliver these items to specific locations. We will do what is necessary to help as many Kentuckians as we can, for as long as the mission takes.
The Kentucky jurisdiction of the Knights of Columbus is not large. We have approximately 12,000 members. Our resources are limited, and without contributions we will exhaust these resources within days, as the need is so desperate. If you wish to contribute, please make your checks payable to K of C Kentucky State Charities, Inc. and send to the contact below.
K of C Kentucky State Charities, Inc.
c/o Cameron Peck
796 Wellington Way
Lexington, KY 40503
Vivat Jesus,
Steve Zanone, Kentucky State Deputy
