Knights Of Columbus 'Tootsie Roll Drive' Yields $3,300 For Non-Profit

TINLEY PARK, IL — An annual Knights of Columbus fundraiser known affectionately around Tinley Park as the Tootsie Roll Drive” has provided more than $3,000 to a local not-for-profit that works with residents with developmental disabilities.

The Knights of Columbus presented CTF Illinois with a check for $3,300 following the recent ID (Intellectual Disabilities) Drive, which has taken place in the community for the past 54 years.

CTF plans to use the donation from the ID Drive to support their vocational program, which offers resources and support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities looking for employment, officials said on Thursday.

“The Knights of Columbus have always been a great organization to work with,” said Mark Goryl, CTF’s program director said in a news release. “This money will be used to enhance our program in Crestwood to help people with disabilities become more active members in their community.”

The initial “Tootsie Roll Drive" took place more than five decades ago by the Knights of Columbus as a way to help its members pay medical bills. Since that time, the initiative has gone nationwide and is one of the organization’s most recognizable charitable efforts.

CTF has worked with local chapters of the Knights of Columbus over the past 10 years with funds going to support the not-for-profit organization’s efforts locally.

“It is a special moment when you can look into the eyes of someone you have helped and you can see their joy,” said Joe Siuda, the co-chairman for the annual ID Drive.