Knights of Columbus Award Grant to Pee Dee Center
On July 3, 2024, Knights of Columbus presented a generous grant of $3,500 to the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) at the Pee Dee Regional Center in Florence, South Carolina. This grant will be utilized to purchase lift chairs essential to the daily activities of the residents at the center.
The generous donation was presented by Joe Balotti and Kevin Cook, representatives from the local council 5194, to Dr. Leroy Woods, a representative of DDSN. The Pee Dee Center functions as one of five state-wide regional centers, providing care and support to individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, head and spinal cord injuries, and conditions related to these disabilities.
The Impact of the Grant
The breakdown of the grant shows the organizations’ priority of caring for the residents. Dr. Leroy Woods was pleased with this gesture of support. He said during the check presentation, “This grant will allow the purchase of max lifts residents need for daily living.” He further added that the Knights of Columbus’ support extends beyond this immediate cause. They’ve previously supported another endeavor to upgrade a park on campus with STEM and sensory items, thus proving how generous they are in their charitable contributions to the community.
The Knights of Columbus have long been involved in charitable endeavors, as Joe Balotti reiterated, “We are big at collecting money and giving it away at charitable functions. That’s what we do.” Their popular Columbus Hope Campaign has won many hearts across the community. Known to many as the “Tootsie Roll campaign,” they distribute popular treats and hope to receive donations in return.
Other Beneficiaries of the Knights of Columbus Support
Their charity reaches beyond just the Pee Dee Center. Organizations such as the Florence County Disabilities Foundation, St. Anthony’s School, Florence School District 3, and the local chapter of the Special Olympics are also beneficiaries of the Knights of Columbus’s generous support. This assistance goes a long way in supporting numerous causes around the community, enhancing the quality of life for many.
This latest grant to the Pee Dee Center is yet another testament to the Knights’ commitment towards their community. The purchase of lift chairs for the residents will undoubtedly make a significant positive impact on their daily lives, not to mention the morale boost from knowing that they have such caring community supporters in their corner.
