Developmental Disabilities Drive
51st Annual ‘Tootsie Roll’ Event
2023 Goal: $700,000
Event Dates: October 11–13, 2024*
*Councils are encouraged to conduct their drive during this weekend. However, if special circumstances prevent this, the insurance purchased by the State Council covers all weekends in October.
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of every Knight, the Knights of Columbus Developmental Center moved in 2013 to a larger facility within the Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation building, expanding from 4,200 sq. ft. to 10,500 sq. ft. The new location provides better accessibility and a larger staff to support children with developmental disabilities.
Our Commitment
Missouri Knights of Columbus are dedicated to supporting organizations that promote the health, education, and welfare of individuals with developmental disabilities. This commitment is highlighted each year through the Drive for Persons with Developmental Disabilities, previously known as the “Tootsie Roll Drive.”
Developmental Center at Cardinal Glennon
One-half of all proceeds collected support the Knights of Columbus Developmental Center, which specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, Developmental Delays, Dyslexia, Down Syndrome, and more. The center is staffed by:
- Child Psychologists
- Educational Diagnosticians
- Social Workers
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
- Special Family Therapists
- “Higgins,” a therapy dog
Programs also include Parent Education, Developmental Screening, and Professional Training.
Turn-Around Funds
Half of the proceeds go back to councils to support local programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. Councils without a local organization to support are encouraged to donate these funds to the Knights of Columbus Developmental Center or Special Olympics Missouri.
Turn-around fund request forms must be submitted no later than January 31, 2025.
Grand Knight’s Checklist for the 52nd Annual DD Drive
July
- Appoint a Council Chairman for the DD Drive.
- Contact the Developmental Disabilities Chairman (East or West) to report the Council Chairman’s details.
- Set a Council goal for the drive.
- Discuss parish bulletin announcements and parish involvement with the pastor.
- Select and secure collection sites for the drive.
August
- Order Tootsie Rolls by August 18 (minimum 33 cases for free shipping). Combine orders with other councils if needed.
- Check aprons and order replacements by September 1.
- Promote the drive through local news sources.
September
- Learn about the Continue to Give online donation platform.
- Coordinate efforts with neighboring councils.
- Recruit and assign members to collection sites.
- Contact Special Olympics or other agencies for support and assistance.
- Prepare a committee to account for collected proceeds.
October
- Ensure all preparations are complete and participate in the DD Drive.
- Deposit collected funds and forward a check to Columbian Charities of Missouri promptly.
- Share achievements and successes with local media and parish members.
November
- Complete all reports and submit them to the Columbian Charities Treasurer.
- Request turn-around funds.
- Submit the final report by December 1 for State Convention awards.
Contact Information
Ron Mathias
Developmental Disabilities Chairman West
Phone: (816) 529-6984
Email: ron.mathias.kofc@gmail.com
Victor Bender
Developmental Disabilities Chairman East
Phone: (573) 358-5307
Email: vbender5308@hotmail.com
Jerry Herbert
Columbian Charities Treasurer
Email: herbert_jerry@yahoo.com (Contact for USPS address)
Resources
Visit the Community Forms link for copies of necessary forms, including Tootsie Roll and Apron Order Forms, Final Reports, and Turn-Around Fund Requests. Additional resources include sample news releases and business appeal letters.