NEW HAVEN, Connecticut, NOV. 27, 2009 (Zenit.org).- The Knights of Columbus are committing $1 million and many volunteer hours to feed the hungry.
A press release from the organization noted that this initiative aims to respond to the "far higher than usual" number of Americans and Canadians "at risk of hunger" and "the number of those planning to give to charity at this time of year lower than usual."
It reported that some 50 million Americans underwent "food insecurity" situations last year, and 18% more Canadians went to food banks for aid.
The money and volunteer hours will be channeled through the "Food for Families" program of the Knights, which gives material support to food banks.
The organization will be partnering with parishes and other community services to collect food for these banks.
The supreme knight, Carl Anderson, expressed the organization's hope that "this program will help both to alleviate the problem, and to encourage other religious and charitable organizations -- as well as businesses and corporations -- to conduct similar programs."
"People may not be able to give a lot of money to charity this Christmas," he said, "but many can give a can of soup to help their neighbors, and the Knights of Columbus are committed to providing them the opportunity to do so."
