Community Activities Update
- Sun, Jul 17, 2022 8:17 AM
The Diocesan meetings are done, and the Councils are all busy doing the work of the Order. I’d like to highlight several programs.
A great summer program is the Soccer Challenge program. Many youths are already participating in summer leagues. Now is the time to plan out those Council and district level events. The State Soccer Challenge Championship will be held October 8, 2022 in Grand Rapids. Please plan your event accordingly.
The Catholic Citizenship Essay Contest is something to be considered for your council. It is an easy program to run, yet surprisingly few councils participate. The theme for this year should be the same as last year and will be posted on the State website.
The Knights of Columbus began the Coats for Kids Program 13 years ago. Since that time, well over a half million coats have been distributed to families in need by councils across North America. As we approach autumn, I’d like to remind councils that there are a couple of ways that your council can support this charitable program every year.
First, councils can purchase coats through Knights Gear (and click on ‘Coats for Kids) and conduct their own event for families in your area. Guidebook 10588E/S is a great guide for putting on your own program. This is available at Supplies Online (available in multiple languages). If a council purchases 6 cases of coats to distribute, two credits towards the Columbian Award can be obtained, or one credit for lesser amounts.
Second, if your council doesn’t have the resources and/or location to conduct your own drive, you can support the Michigan State Council’s Coats for Kids events. The Michigan State Council conducts events across Michigan, and your council’s donation can help purchase more coats for these distributions. Simply send a check payable to: ‘Michigan State Council’ with Coats for Kids indicated in the memo line to:
John Hundiak State Community Director
2439 Westwood Drive Rochester Hills, MI 48306
A suggested minimum donation of $50 will enable your council to claim 1 credit towards the Columbian Award, or if your council donates at least the cost of 6 cases, 2 credits can be claimed. This is an easy way to support a great program. At your next council meeting, please consider helping our Michigan State Council’s efforts to bring durable, warm coats to children that may not otherwise have them.
Casey the Teddy Bear stuffed animals are in stock and available for councils to purchase. The cost remains at $120 per case of 12, and I can quickly get them to you. Simply send me an order form and payment and your council will receive these teddy bears that are a great way to promote our order. Councils use them in a variety of ways such as baptism gifts, supplying them to first responders, distributing them at hospitals, etc. Families appreciate these simple acts of kindness and they leave a lasting impression on recipients.
Please fill out the Knight of the Month/Year form and submit them. Surely your council has a deserving brother knight that devotes his time and talents to your parish and community. This is a great way to provide recognition for members. While a significant number of councils regularly submit knights of the month, a surprising number of councils don’t take advantage of this program. It takes little time to fill out a small number of fields on the form and email it, there’s no reason not to recognize one of our brothers for their contributions. It REALLY is important to them and their families.
Our state Free Throw and Spelling Bee championships will again be held in March. Please coordinate with your District Deputy to make sure that your council youth event is held prior to a district or diocesan championship.
There is information on additional programs on the State and Supreme websites. I will highlight more programs in the future.
Thank you and have a successful fraternal year.,
John Hundiak State Community Director
“I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me…..”