12 Knights of Christmas – Holiday Help

K of C Council 14463 offers a Holiday Helpline for Christmas Gifts to assist Illinois families faced with unemployment or reduced work.

YORKVILLE, Ill. —Christmas is a time of memories and joy. But for families facing unemployment or reduced work, it can be hard to make ends meet during the holiday. 

That’s why Knights from Divine Mercy Council 14463 in Yorkville, Ill., stepped up with their “Holiday Helpline” program that allows families with children or foster children in Kendall County to reach out for the exact help they need.

The helpline is set up on the council’s website and Facebook page, allowing families to share their needs in just a few clicks. This program is part of the long history of charity work of the Knights of Columbus. Whether through Food for Families, Coats for Kids or countless other programs, Knights have a history of rallying communities to transform the lives of families in need.

It’s what Knights do.

Each year, the line is then open for more than a month, to help families who need help with Christmas meals, presents and clothing.

Since the Knights began the helpline eight years ago, hundreds of local families have been assisted, including a single mom with four children.

Recently hospitalized, the mom was unable to leave her hospital room. She sought assistance through the Knights’ Holiday helpline to help provide a Christmas meal for her children.

But the Knights don’t just give food. Families seeking gifts for their children also turn to the Holiday Helpline. The Knights provide the presents by setting up Christmas Giving Trees, decorated with tags listing the toys and other gifts that can be donated for the families.

John Neville, deputy grand for Council 14463, has said the success of the Giving Trees, and the Holiday Helpline in general, has been “unbelievable.”

“Not one has been unfulfilled,” Neville said. “This is the best year we’ve had.”

For questions, or to share your Knights of Columbus stories, email rose.wagner@kofc.org.