The Knights of Columbus announced it will donate $150,000 to the Catholic Diocese of Lake Charles, Louisiana, in the wake of Hurricane Laura, a Category 4 storm that caused widespread destruction across the state on Aug. 26.
Supreme Knight Carl Anderson said, “Our prayers are with the people of the Diocese of Lake Charles and with everyone impacted by this destructive storm. This donation is only the first step in our efforts to help with recovery.”
Along with providing donations, Knights are often the first and last on the ground after disaster strikes. Louisiana Knights began recovery efforts immediately by assessing damage, determining pressing needs and identifying staging areas to receive critical supplies. The Knights of Columbus Supreme Council is procuring and shipping requested supplies, including gift cards, tools, roofing nails, tarps, bottled water, ready-made food and cleaning supplies.
Offers to assist are pouring in from Knights of Columbus members in other states and countries. Supreme Knight Anderson said this is a typical reaction from fellow Knights. “It is fraternal charity and fraternal unity that distinguished the Knights of Columbus from other relief organizations. We stand shoulder to shoulder, supporting one another in faith and service across the world.”
Bishop Glen John Provost of the Diocese of Lake Charles thanked the Knights for the assistance. He said, “We deeply appreciate the generosity of the Knights because the devastation in Lake Charles is enormous. The task ahead for us is most challenging but we know as in the past the Knights have always been there for us. God bless them!”
Last year, Knights of Columbus Charities Inc. and Knights of Columbus Canada Charities Inc. gave more than $1.3 million to disaster relief with an additional $3.5 million donated by local Knights councils and assemblies.