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The Knights of Columbus — one of the Catholic Church’s largest charitable organizations — is requesting donations to help victims of the tragic flash floods in Texas.
In a July 17 press release, the Knights of Columbus called the flooding in Texas “heartbreaking” and explained that “it may be weeks before these communities can fully assess the destructive impact of this disaster.”
The flooding, which occurred over the Fourth of July weekend in the Texas Hill Country, claimed the lives of at least 135 people, according to NBCDFW, with many still missing.
Although the area has long been known for floods, being dubbed “Flash Flood Alley,” the July flooding was more severe than normal, with the Guadalupe River rising 26 feet in just 45 minutes, as CatholicVote previously reported.
The Knights of Columbus began supporting the flood victims soon after news broke. Local councils have previously called for members to pray for victims and support them financially as they are able. Ron Alonzo, the organization’s State Deputy for Texas, released a statement July 7 asking for donations to the Texas State Council Disaster Relief Fund.
The organization has already given $30,000 to relief efforts for victims of flooding in Texas, according to the release. It anticipates providing further financial aid in the coming weeks.
According to Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly in Columbia Magazine, the Knights of Columbus in 2023 donated more than $190 million and more than 47 million volunteer hours to those in need. The press release noted that 100% of the donations aid those served through the Knights of Columbus’ charitable programs.
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