Baby Bottles Making a Difference!

The Knights of Columbus are known internationally for their generosity and fundraising efforts for programs and services supported by Catholic parishes, as well as other worthy causes. Council #3307 of Richland has always been exemplary in supporting their community and Christ the King Church and School and has been doing charitable work in southeastern Washington for more than 70 years.

This year, #3307 Grand Knight Bill Murray wanted the chapter to take part in one of the International Knights of Columbus fundraisers: a Baby Bottle Drive. Murray hoped to raise funds for Catholic Charities Central Washington PREPARES program. When he asked for help spearheading the idea, Knight Kendrick Glover was quick to volunteer. “I have children at Christ the King School. And I love the work of PREPARES,” said the 37-year-old father of three.

Planning began, and it was decided to run the campaign from Mother’s Day to Father’s Day. “We wanted to highlight the importance of both mothers and fathers to a child’s life,” explained Glover.

With the blessings of Msgr. Thomas Champoux, baby bottles were ordered from the International Knights of Columbus, and the men were planning distribution for Mother’s Day masses when their plans hit a little bump. “Turned out that another group was planning the same type of fundraiser for Hope Medical, a faith-based medical clinic providing crisis pregnancy counseling and care,” explained Glover.

Undaunted, PREPARES and Hope Medical decided to work together and merge the Baby Bottle Campaigns into one event. Both groups realized how much their Baby Bottle Drives complemented each other. Working in tandem, the funds raised would not only support mothers and their babies up to five years with classes, playgroups, clothing, and necessary supplies through the PREPARES ministry, but it would also support pregnant mothers with ultrasounds, classes, and information through Hope Medical. The Knights of Columbus were thrilled to support the work of both organizations and help mothers. fathers, and young children in a comprehensive approach with their donations.

On Mother's Day weekend, approximately 600 baby bottles were distributed at five masses. Each baby bottle contained a short pamphlet stating the purpose of the Baby Bottle campaign, as well as QR codes for each organization so that parishioners could donate online with ease.

On Father's Day weekend, approximately 300 baby bottles were returned. The bottles contained a mixture of cash, checks, and change – a lot of change. Hundreds of pounds of coins were collected and were surprisingly difficult to get out of the bottles. “Truly,” said Glover, “the hardest part of this fundraiser was getting the money out of the bottles! The generosity of Christ the King Parish was staggering.”

The Baby Bottle Campaign has collected over $16,000 in cash, to date. Online donations are still coming in. The money is being split between PREPARES and Hope Medical to support mothers and their children in the Tri-Cities area.

Baby bottles filled with donations continue to trickle in at the parish office, and people have also been requesting new baby bottles so that they can continue to fill them with change. Council #3307 is humbled by the response of the Christ the King parishioners. “We are extremely grateful for the community’s support and are hoping to make this an annual event,” said Glover. “It is a worthy cause that everyone can get behind.”

If your Knights of Columbus Council is interested in creating your own Baby Bottle Campaign, please contact PREPARES at 509-946-4645.