Knights of Columbus donate to aid Los Angeles’ poor

By Fr. Benedict Mayaki, SJ

The Knights of Columbus, have made a donation of $100,000 to fund the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ “Hearts To Serve” program and local food banks. The donation will provide assistance to local communities hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are facing a pandemic situation in which hunger is a growing concern for an increasing number of unemployed individuals and their families,” explained the Supreme Knight, Carl Anderson.

The Los Angeles Archdiocese’s Office for Life, Justice and Peace launched the “Hearts to Serve” program in March. It is in partnership with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the Knights of Columbus. The Program offers a hotline for those in need, especially the elderly and the homebound. Registered nurses, social workers and other health professionals help answer calls and provide assistance to those in need.

Sign of Christ’s compassion

The Archbishop of Los Angeles, Archbishop José H. Gomez, expressed his gratitude for the donation. He referred to it as “a beautiful sign of Christ’s compassion” which will bring “help and hope to thousands of families in need.” He also added that the Knights of Columbus have been “good friends and partners in the work of serving the family of God” in the Archdiocese.

National initiative

The Knights of Columbus made this donation as part of a new national initiative, “Leave No Neighbour Behind.” The initiative urges the organization’s members to assist their neighbours in these trying times. The Knights are also encouraged to make blood donations, especially as there have been shortages in recent times.

Supreme Knight, Carl Anderson noted that the organization has “provided vital support during key moments.” He added that the “Leave No Neighbour Behind” initiative continues that tradition, and that the organization will “work directly with food banks to help ensure that food reaches those most in need in communities from coast to coast.”