St. Columba Knights set record in holiday giving

By Bobbie Genovese
For The Catholic Week
DOTHAN — The Knights of Columbus at St. Columba Parish in Dothan worked diligently to make 2023 a memorable year for families who needed a little extra help. 
To start the holiday giving, the Knights collected cash donations for their annual Thanksgiving Basket drive, which provided 20 meals for Catholic Social Services’ clients as well as $75 Walmart gift cards for 76 additional families, feeding more than 400 people in all. 
The Knights also delivered more than 500 gifts to 75 families in the Wiregrass Area (including cities of Ashford, Daleville, Dothan, Headland, Slocomb and Webb) for the annual Giving Tree at Christmas. 
Together these were record-setting events — the most charitable holiday donations that St. Columba has supported in the church’s history.
“It was truly a blessing that we could provide so much support in a time when people are struggling to pay for basic necessities,” said Christopher Hart, Grand Knight of Council 6727. 
Phyllis Minniefield of Midland City, Leticia Gordillo, director of Hispanic Ministry and Stephanie Cronin, director of Catholic Social Services were notable helpers who gathered names of those who could benefit from support where it was truly needed. 
The Knights set up events and provided time and manpower, and parish volunteers helped make gift tags and organized the gift giving. 
“This group effort made small miracles happen,” Hart continued, “and fostered a closer relationship between the Knights, the parish and CSS. We were truly blessed!”