Saturday, September 21st, the St Mary’s Knights of Columbus will once again be conducting their annual “Tootsie Roll” fund drive.  Knights will be manning street corners in the LeRoy and Downs communities to accept donations and hand out Tootsie Rolls as a token of appreciation.
 
“Officially, this fundraiser is The Intellectual Disabilities Fund Drive”, said Jim Suiter, St Mary’s Knights of Columbus Deputy Grand Knight. “However, everyone knows it simply as the “Tootsie Roll” Drive. And traditionally, the LeRoy and Downs communities are very generous in their support of this fundraiser.”  This is one of the most recognizable activities that the Knights of Columbus do.  The funds generated from this drive are used to support local programs which help people with special learning and life needs.  Specifically, the St Mary’s Knights of Columbus donate their collections to the LeRoy and Tri-Valley school programs.
 
Gail McCane, Tri-Valley Director of Special Services, shared, “The Tri-Valley school district is hoping to use these funds to purchase supports to help meet the unique academic, behavioral, functional, and social-emotional needs of students.  These supports include research-based interventions/programs and hands-on materials and manipulatives.”
 
Nicole Gaddis, LeRoy Associate Principal, shared, “Any funds raised will support our special education department, most specifically our HERO classrooms. We have a vision to create a sensory cart that all special education teachers could check out and use. Additionally, funds would help support our community trips and small businesses run by our HERO students. We greatly appreciate your generosity. We are forever thankful!”
 
This Saturday, please look for the St Mary’s Knights of Columbus, your neighbors, and donate generously to The Intellectual Disabilities Fund Drive supporting local individuals in our area schools. 
 
Thank you!