Knights of Columbus Members Take Active Role in Relief Efforts in West, Texas

NEW HAVEN, Conn., April 20, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Help is pouring into West, Texas from Knights of Columbus throughout the area, who are coming to the devastated town this weekend to assist those recovering from the terrible explosion there.

College Knights from Baylor University, Council 13577; the University of North Texas, Council 14789 and the University of Dallas, Council 14872 will volunteer Saturday, April 20, at the main relief supply distribution site in West, Texas, located at the fairgrounds near the intersection of Old Dallas Road and Tokyo Road.

The donations center is open for affected residents to pick up clothes, food and other resources. K of C volunteers will be helping to give out necessities and supplies at the distribution site and will also help deliver those goods to residents of West.

Local Knights from West are among those helping to run the distribution site and organizing the volunteer activities of the College Knights. The Knights of Columbus has a strong presence in the town. Though West has fewer than 3000 residents, Knights of Columbus Council 2305 in the town counts more than 500 members – many of whom live there.

In addition, this Sunday, April 21, at about noon, Knights in West will begin to distribute up to $10,000 in funds to those affected by the tragic explosion at the Council Hall located at 2547 Jerry Masheck Dr. in West.

"The outpouring of support by the Knights in West and the surrounding areas is a testament to the power of Charity, which is the first principle of the Knights of Columbus," said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. "The work they are doing to help people rebuild lives in the face of this tragedy is an inspiring witness to the transformative power of caring for our neighbor in times of need."

In addition to the volunteer work being done by Knights, the Supreme Office of the Knights of Columbus in New Haven has already sent $10,000 to Council 2305 to help them in their relief efforts.

The public too can assist in relief efforts. Donations can be made to Knights of Columbus Charities, Inc. online at www.kofc.org/texas .

Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Knights of Columbus Charities, Inc. is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a charitable organization under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, and one hundred percent of all donations collected by Knights of Columbus Charities, Inc. will be sent to those affected by the disaster.

With more than 1.8 million members worldwide, the Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic fraternal organization and one of the nation's most active charitable organizations. Last year, Knights donated more than $158 million and 70 million hours to charitable causes.

SOURCE Knights of Columbus