The members of Brownson Council, their wives, families and friends, along with thousands of Knights across the state of Illinois, will be volunteering their services on Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19, and Church Drives on Sunday Sept 20, to raise funds to aid the Intellectually Disabled. The Candy Day workers will solicit funds in exchange for K. of C. Tootsie Rolls which are purchased with contributions from businesses, Brother Knights and friends of the Knights of Columbus. In 2025, Brownson collected $11,700.00.  This year Brownson Council's goal is $12,000.00 for God's Special People, and across Illinois, the Knights hope to again raise 2.0 million for the Intellectually Disabled, as they did in 2025.

 A case of 300 Tootsie Rolls costs the Council $19.50, and this year Brownson will order 31 cases. All of the funds we collect go to aid the Intellectually Disabled in the community. We have no administration costs. Our only expense is the cost of the candy itself and the replacement aprons, and then 10% of our gross collections which is given to the Knights State ID charities, such as Special Olympics and the Residential Home Program.. Our total cost of Candy is $675.66 which is our fundraising Goal.

 All other funds, less candy expenses, are given directly to organized groups in the Chicago area, serving the needs of the intellectually disabled.

Support for this program in previous years has helped :

1) The Archdiocesan Spred Center, which services Spred groups from all over the city;

2) Parish Spred Groups serving the intellectually disabled from parishes across the city including, St. Rita,

St. Padre Pio, St. Josaphat, St. Teresa of Avila  and Queen of Apostles.

3) Community groups from Welles Park, and Eckhart Park Special Recreation Programs

4) The Special Olympics.

 All total, these groups attend to the needs of over 500 intellectually disabled individuals, many of whom are children and young adults. The dedication of those who work with the mentally handicapped each day is tremendous, and through this drive, the Knights hope to help these groups provide for the physical and emotional needs of those individuals entrusted to their care.

 The Knights of Brownson Council #1030 urge you to become a supporter of K. of C. Candy Day 2026 by making a contribution to this worthy cause.

 The Knights of Brownson Council #1030 deeply appreciate and thank you for your support. May God Bless you.

Tom Kaiser, Grand Knight