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Drive for Persons with Developmental Disabilities

53rd Annual Drive

2026 Goal: $700,000
Event Dates: October 9, 10 & 11, 2026 *

*Councils are asked to conduct their drive the weekend of October 9-11; however, if there are special circumstances that your council cannot conduct its drive that weekend, the insurance purchased by the State Council to cover the DD Drive is effective every weekend in October.

Thank you to every Knight’s hard work, generosity, and dedication to the DD Drive, the Knights of Columbus.

Developmental Center moved out of the hospital and into the second floor of the Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation building in May of 2013. This new facility has more than doubled the size of the center from 4,200 sq. ft. to 10,500 sq. ft. It also has its own parking lot which is located just steps away from the door. When the Center opened back in 1982, it was served by a staff of just 3; now the Center can boast of a staff of over 20 dedicated staff members.    

As members of the Missouri Knights of Columbus we are committed to supporting organizations who are dedicated to the health, education and welfare of persons with developmental disabilities. This is highlighted each year by our “Drive for Persons with Developmental Disabilities” (formerly known as the “Tootsie Roll Drive,” and more recently as the “DD Drive”).   

Knights of Columbus Developmental Center at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center  

One-half of all proceeds collected in this annual drive go to support the Developmental Center which was started by the Missouri Knights in 1982. The Center specializes in diagnosing and treating thousands of children afflicted with: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Developmental Delays, Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Prader-Willie Syndrome, Hyperactivity and Attention Deficit Disorder. This is done by a staff of Child Psychologists, Educational Diagnosticians, Social Workers, Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, Special Family Therapists, and special consultant “Higgins” (a Goldendoodle) the therapy dog. Other programs in place include: Parent Education, Developmental Screening, Professional Training and Developmental Education.   

Turn-Around Funds

Half of the proceeds collected goes back to your council to use to support local programs for persons with developmental disabilities. All the funds need to be sent to Jerry and then a check will be sent back made out to your charity. Over 230 different agencies across the state received support through these funds last year.

Councils who do not have a specific agency in their area which works with the Developmentally Disabled are encouraged to request that their turn-around funds be donated to the Missouri Knights of Columbus Developmental Center or to Special Olympics Missouri. You can indicate your preference on your Developmental Disabilities Drive Disbursement Request Form.

Turn-around fund request forms must be submitted no later than January 31, 2027.

Final Report due by January 31, 2027

Grand Knight’s Checklist for the 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

Ed Velton
Developmental Disabilities Chairman West
Phone: (417)235-9638
Email: edvelten27@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 Address: 7218 Picasso Dr., O’Fallon 63368 

Resources

Visit the DD Drive 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.To receive assess to Schnucks Stores for distrubuting tootsie rolls please contact Tony Jansen directly. 

For setting up your council to distrubute tootsie rolls in front of Walmart Please click this link for a download file.