WHEELING, W.V. — Leap Day only happens once every four years, and Knights in West Virginia are making the most of the extra day by fighting hunger.
On Feb. 29, Carroll Council 504 will join with local parishioners and brother Knights to pack 80,000 meals for children and families in need around the world.
Jermac McGlumphy, a member of Carroll Council 504 in Wheeling, serves as the lead coordinator. Inspired by one of the Knights’ core values — charity — he took the lead on the project shortly after joining the Order.
“Close to one billion children go to bed hungry every night,” McGlumphy said. “I simply could not imagine my four children starving when their heads hit the pillow at night.”
The Knights of Columbus is the world’s foremost Catholic fraternal organization. Members around the world provide nourishment for those in need in their own communities through the Food for Families program.
(Click here to learn more about Knights of Columbus family programs.)
Council 504’s fundraiser website indicates that one malnourished child can be fed for only 25 cents per meal. The fundraiser is a joint effort between the council and Cross Catholic Outreach, an organization giving American Catholics opportunities to serve the global Church. Through the Knights’ partnership with the organization on Leap Day, volunteers and donors will provide nutrient-rich food for people in need in areas including Guatemala, Haiti and Nicaragua.
While many people put in time and effort for this project, the Knights are especially appreciative for Jermac McGlumphy’s work.
“The energy, drive and enthusiasm provided by Jermac has been nothing short of amazing,” said Art Bertol, grand knight of Council 504.
The Leap Day meal packing event will take place at Our Lady of Peace Church in Wheeling.
“We think it is going to be life changing – and life-saving,” Bertol said.
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