Knights of Columbus

Organization donates food for 75 families

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By Alex Keown
Daily Times Staff Writer

Christmas came early for 75 needy families in Wilson County.

Saturday, about 50 members of the Wilson County Knights of Columbus chapter and their children gathered up about three tons of perishable and non-perishable foods to deliver.

"This is something we've been doing for about 30 or so years," said Dennis Beichner, the grand knight of the Wilson County council of the Knights of Columbus.

When the Catholic organization began the food donation program, Beichner said they had about 15 families to receive the food. Over the years, the need in the county has steadily risen, he said.

The Christmas after Hurricane Floyd in 1999, there were 100 families signed up to receive the food. Now, it's settled back to 75 families.

"There's a lot of need out there, and we want to do our part to help out," Beichner said.

On Friday, the Knights began transporting the food from Beichner's house to the gymnasium at St. Therese Catholic School. The food and sundries lined dozens of long tables waiting to be boxed up. On Saturday morning, more food was purchased at Aldi. Beichner said the grocer opened early so they could pick up the last-minute items. In addition to food purchased in bulk, Beichner said Bruce Foods donated food as well.

"My wife is the one who finds the food. She's great at scouting out the best deals," Beichner said. He added the parish members donated much of the money to purchase the food.

Once all the food was collected and sorted, the Knights and their children began boxing up the food. They marched up and down the rows of food placing one of each items in the boxes. When all was said and done, there were 225 packed boxes waiting to be shipped out to 75 families across Wilson County. Each family received three boxes.

Joe Rodri said each Saturday morning it seems like the food will never get boxed up and delivered.

"But it always gets done," Rodri said.

Once the food was boxed up, the boxes were placed in several automobiles and driven across the county.

"I think it's really good that the kids go along on the deliveries and see who the food is going to. It's a real eye-opening experience for them," said Don Michaud.

Beichner said the names of the food recipients come from various sources, including parish members, Department of Social Services, the Hispanic ministry at St. Therese, Hope Station and hospice care.

The recipients aren't all Catholic though. Joe George, who's been part of the delivery program since its inception, said about 90 percent of the recipients aren't Catholic.

"This helps bridge the differences in our community. We give to anyone in need," said Rafael Aguado.

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