FRANKLIN

Members of St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Franklin and members of the Suffolk Council of the Knights of Columbus have helped to raise over $2,000 to help Virginians with intellectual disabilities.

According to Daniel Hohman, chairman of the KOVAR drive at St. Jude’s Church and the Knights of Columbus, the money was collected during Easter week in April for the Knights of Columbus KOVAR Tootsie Roll annual campaign at the Franklin Wal-Mart Super Center. This year, the location contribution amounts were: Wal-Mart, $1,158.81; St. Jude and the Shrine of the Infant Jesus in Wakefield, $611.86, which totaled $1,770.67. Further, the Suffolk Council KOC gave $500. That plus other donations made for a grand total of $2,500.67.

“We are particularly grateful to the Wal-Mart organization for hosting our campaign in Franklin every year since the store has been open and to the many very generous residents of Franklin,” Hohman wrote in a statement to The Tidewater News.

He added that KOVAR was begun 48 years ago and “is among the most respected public charities in the nation. Virginia Knights are well known around the state for help and support that we give to those that we refer to as ‘God’s Special People’ through the KOVAR grant and interest-free home loan programs. Since its founding, we have raised and distributed over $16M and provided over $5M in interest free home loans.”

Hohman continued to say that the money raised has “improved the lives of Virginians with an intellectual disability through grants for training and equipment to improve their ability to communicate, live more independently, develop job skills and live more fulfilling lives. KOVAR Home Loans make it possible for many people with ID to live in safe and comfortable homes. Importantly, all funds contributed support these vital programs and are managed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors who receive no compensation.”

For more details, contact danhohman2000@aol,com;1800-22KOVAR(225-6927) or www.kovarva.org.