Community Services

Chairman Charles Lenau, (314)973‐3631, cmalenau12@spectrum.net

Blood Drives

In 1938 the Knights of Columbus was the first national organization to establish a blood donor program to be implemented throughout the Order. Knight’s families continue to support this lifegiving program today, but we need the Council’s help in reporting blood donations. Please schedule a drive of the Council’s own, or support one scheduled in the Council’s area, and then send in a report on the number of units collected using the Blood Drive Report on the state website.

Wheelchair Mission

An important part of our Life Services program is our partnership with the American Wheelchair Mission, which provides brand new wheelchairs to people in need. Due to the generosity of Knights families throughout the U.S., thousands of wheelchairs have been donated around the globe. A donation of $150 will help deliver one wheelchair to someone in need. Just as important, past generosity allows State Council to provide a free wheelchair to our neighbors in need. In 2023-2024 we were able to purchase a large container of 110–280 wheelchairs and will be able to hand them out to people in need. Purchase is required to receive Featured Program of credit. Please consider holding a Wheelchair Sunday drive this year! Make checks payable to Columbian Charities and note Wheelchair on the memo line. 

Agape House & Prison Concern

The Agape House (pronounced agapē) provides families of prisoners a place to stay overnight when they are visiting family members who are incarcerated. Agapē, which translated means “Christian Love,” treats all of its guests with respect, love, and caring. Each Council, Assembly, and Auxiliary is asked to donate $50 to this worthwhile cause. Make checks payable to Columbian Charities and note Prison Concern on the memo line.

Habitat for Humanity

While Habitat has not been a typical partner for Missouri Knights, Knights families in other areas have strong relationships with their local Habitats to provide homes for the homeless and at risk. Knights of Columbus Councils work closely with Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit Christian organization, to build homes for families in need at substantially reduced costs. Each year, Councils throughout the Order donate a considerable number of volunteer hours and dollars to this worthy cause. In order to satisfy program requirements, Councils may donate a minimum of $1,000 or 200 service hours to Habitat for Humanity projects in their community to receive credit for the Featured Program. Contact the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate in the Council’s area for information on upcoming projects at www.habitat.org or by emailing volunteer@habitat.org. 

Helping Hands

The Helping Hands Program is designed to recognize the important work many Councils already do to care for the most disadvantaged members of our communities–the homeless, the addicted, the elderly who may feel isolated and abandoned, and many others. Through this program, Councils will aid the needy through the activities they feel best suit their community, such as serving at or running a soup kitchen, repairing the facilities of a local service organization or something entirely unique. The requirements for this program are very broad in order to allow Councils to serve their community in whatever way is most needed. Some needs may be physical, while others are social, emotional or spiritual. Whatever the need, Councils are encouraged to assist and creatively support their broader community. 

Disaster Preparedness

Communities can be brought to a halt when disaster occurs – from large natural disasters to local crises. As community leaders, Knights of Columbus will ensure that their members, families and parish communities are prepared through a campaign that promotes planning and education. This program motivates Councils to take a holistic approach to emergency situations by promoting readiness in times of crisis, assessing response capabilities, and learning how to properly respond well ahead of a disaster. Councils can also fundraise and teach (where able) in anticipation of larger efforts to assist brothers in need. To begin, contact the Council’s local department of emergency management or police to inquire about the procedures in place in the Council’s community in a disaster situation. Remember the Council’s parish: meet with the Council’s parish priest on a n annual basis to identify specific needs of the parish in the event of a disaster and determine how the Knights can assist.