A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, OUR LADY OF GRACE COUNCIL, NUMBER 14765 OF INDIAN LAND, FOR THE KNIGHTS' MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF LANCASTER COUNTY AND TO WISH THIS FINE GROUP MANY MORE YEARS OF BLESSING AS ITS MEMBERS CONTINUE TO SERVE.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are privileged to salute Our Lady of Grace Council, Number 14765 of the Knights of Columbus in Indian Land, for the Knights' selfless service to their community; and

Whereas, the Knights of Columbus of Our Lady of Grace Council, Number #14765, provides volunteer and financial resources to support the underprivileged in Lancaster County. In the past ten years, the council has donated more than $250,000 to various charitable organizations, mostly within the county; and

Whereas, in this fiscal year so far, the Council has donated over $20,000 to various organizations, including food pantries (Belair, HOPE of Lancaster, and Isadore Farms), St. Clare's Maternity Home, Clothes for Kids (Lancaster County schools), and Ukrainian Refugee Aid. Continuing support is planned for these programs, as well as proposed contributions to Habitat for Humanity and Faith Formation Projects; and

Whereas, further, the council is active with many community activities, fundraising events, and social gatherings, such as the Indian Land Fall/Spring Festival (hot dog stand), food-bank drives, coffee and doughnuts for National Guard troops, "Keep Christ in Christmas" signs, and pro-life prayer vigils; and

Whereas, most recently, Our Lady of Grace Council concluded its third annual fall clothing drive. What began as the Knights' back-to-school Coats for Kids program to help provide warm winter coats for needy Lancaster County elementary school students has become the council's Clothes for Kids Fundraiser. Feedback and appreciation received from the school district's teachers, nurses, and administrators indicate that the need for new clothing goes way beyond just coats; and

Whereas, this year, a total of fourteen Lancaster County schools participated in the program and received a variety of clothing based on their requested needs. In addition, all monetary contributions to the program were used to purchase new clothes for kids. The team handled more than 3,000 items of clothing, comprised mainly of underwear, socks, pants, shirts, coats, and hoodies. In comparison, over the last three years the group has purchased and distributed over 7,700 articles of clothing, indicating that the need is still there and is continuing to grow; and

Whereas, grateful for the commitment and servant spirit of Our Lady of Grace Council, Number 14765 of the Knights of Columbus, the members of the House extend to the Knights best wishes for many more years of joyous outreach and service. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor the Knights of Columbus, Our Lady of Grace Council, Number 14765 of Indian Land, for the Knights' many years of dedicated service to the people of Lancaster County and wish this fine group many more years of blessing as its members continue to serve.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Our Lady of Grace Council, Number 14765 of the Knights of Columbus in Indian Land.

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