During the 2020 holiday season, members of the Knights of Columbus Council 8419 at St. Rita Catholic Church in Wellington decided to start a Families in Need program. With help from St. Rita pastor Father Mario Castañeda and his staff, the group got a list of 10 families who were in most need of help at that time.
Grand Knight John Kingston and Deputy Grand Knight Manny Zapata went to each of the homes and gave wrapped toys to all the children and gift cards to the parents. The response was emotional and heartwarming, and the decision was made to continue the program this year.
During May 2021, members Ken Deischer, John Kapos, Ivan Barin and George Barin suggested doing the same program, but making it much bigger. The initial goal was to raise $20,000 to fund the “Help Us Help Families in Need” program. Committees were formed, and the work began. Funds were raised through several initiatives. Initially, members were asked to donate what they could. Next, the council was set up by Publix for eight days at four different locations to request donations. The council then did a drive-through dinner with the proceeds going to the program. Requests were also conducted after all masses on two weekends. In all, the council was able to raise more than $25,000.
The Council of Catholic Women also asked if they could participate. After several meetings with that organization, they agreed to decorate the stage and purchase three gifts for each child under age 13. The CCW decorated the stage with three Christmas trees and numerous other decorations to make a beautiful setting for Santa and Mrs. Claus, the elves, a reindeer and the Grinch.
Again this year, Father Mario Castañeda and his staff provided the council with the names of 19 families with 42 children under age 12, and 12 children age 13 and above. All of these families were invited to come to the parish center for dinner and a visit to Santa on the evening of Friday, Dec. 3. Beginning at 6 p.m., Father Mario came out and offered a blessing before the meal, the council members served the attendees a turkey dinner, which included mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls and desert. Thirteen turkeys were purchased and prepared by council members. John Bosso and Edgar Burroughs headed up a group of knights in the kitchen all day preparing the meal.
After dinner, one family at a time was called up on to the stage, where they met Santa and Mrs. Claus and their entourage. The children under 13 received wrapped gifts. The older children and their parents received gift cards. When all was said and done, there were many happy people.
