Letter to the Editor: TOOTSIE ROLL DRIVE

Once a year the Knights of Columbus hold a nationwide fund raiser for those individuals that are physical and/or mentally challenged. This is better known as “The Tootsie Roll Drive”, where Knights stand up outside the various local businesses and give out tootsie rolls to children and adults alike. Most patrons put a small donation in a small metal can ranging from pennies to $100 dollar bills. This is done in all 50 States in over 3000 communities where Knights are present. Marco Island is blessed to have citizens with a big heart that always support this fund raiser, and the San Marco Knights collect every year over $15,000, always over a week end during February. Nationwide, the Knights collect millions of dollars that are all dedicated for the support of those with various types of disabilities.

Here on Marco 60% of the money collected is given to the Special Olympics of Collier County and every penny stays here in the County. The rest of the money has been given to local school programs to help those that have special needs and individuals that may need some special equipment, including veterans.

Unfortunately, in today’s changing world, this year both of our Walgreen’s stores and the Wynn Dixie denied our application to allow us to collect money for these worthwhile charities outside their stores.

Fortunately, however, our island community is not only blessed to have so many generous individuals, but also has great local stores that are always willing to help out. I want to take this opportunity again to thank them for their support, they are: Publix at their 2 locations, Beall’s Outlet, Ace Hardware San Marco Rd, Ace Hardware Elkcam Circle, Dollar Store at the Shops of Marco, Dunkin Donuts at the Town Center Mall, The Esplanade and Marco Walk.

This year the Tootsie roll drive is scheduled for February 19, 20 & 21st and we want to encourage our citizens here on Marco that, on this week-end, they do their shopping from those stores that are committed to our area and that support our efforts to help the physical and mentally challenged.

Thank you Marco Island for your continued support through the years.

Joe Granda 389-2823