Knights of Columbus

St. E’s KofC Supports Troops with Christmas Care Packages

Wyckoff, NJ-  Not being able to make it home for the holidays is certainly cause for anxiety, but while stationed in the war zones of Iraq or Afghanistan, soldiers know they have a duty to carry out to serve their country.  The St. Elizabeth of Hungary Knights of Columbus Council in Wyckoff, New Jersey decided to live up to two of the core ideals of the Order, Charity and Patriotism, and try to bring a little Christmas to soldiers stationed in harm’s way.  For the past 3 holiday seasons, the St. E’s Knights have raised funds to send Christmas care packages into Iraq and Afghanistan.  Over the past three years, the Council has raised almost $30,000 through the generosity of parishioners of St. Elizabeth’s church and members of the Council during their annual appeal to support the troops.  “The generosity of St. Elizabeth’s is incredible, and this annual Knights of Columbus appeal is another example of our commitment to helping and serving others; the parish continues to demonstrate the actions of stewardship of time, talent and treasure in so many ways”, said Monsignor Donald Guenther, pastor of St. Elizabeth’s parish and chaplain of the local Knights council.

All of the proceeds from the annual appeals are used specifically for the benefit of soldiers stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan.  In addition to purchasing goods, packaging, and mailing over 1,000 individual Christmas Care packages over the past 3 years, the Council has also provided significant monetary assistance to two Bergen County, New Jersey Marines who were injured in combat and had serious rehabilitation and recuperation needs as they were forced to re-adjust to private life after their injuries.  One of the Marines, Sgt. Frank Delgado, returned to St. Elizabeth’s parish in early November to speak at a number of the Masses and to offer his appreciation for the funds he received during his extensive recovery period.  

“The Knights of Columbus are committed to Charity and to Patriotism, and in this project, our Council is able to make a wonderful Christmas gift to our soldiers in the war zones, who are giving up so much for our country,” said Joe DeVita, the Grand Knight of St. Elizabeth’s KofC council.  Although they may not be able to make it home for the holidays this year, these soldiers will receive just a little bit of home when they open the packages from the Knights.

{Attached Picture: KofC Members 13678 from St. E’s in Wyckoff NJ after packing the Christmas care packages to be shipped to U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan}