This weekend, Knights all over the country will be outside stores and churches in our familiar yellow vests and tin cans selling Tootsie Rolls.

But many people do not know the real purpose behind this effort:  to raise funds for people with intellectual disabilities.

In Massachusetts, we turn the funds over to the State Council at the annual Charity Ball later this month, and the State Council in turn funds a dozen agencies across the state from Cape Cod to the Berkshires that provide regular services to families with intellectually disabled members.  Things like day care, respite care, outings and activities, and sporting events.  We are proud that Special Olympics of Massachusetts, headquartered right here in Marlborough, is a beneficiary of a large share of those funds.

Please help out this weekend.  Wear your yellow vest proudly and remind people of the solid purpose behind it.

Sign up here for one of the “shifts” we have created.

Slots are available for after the Masses at I.C., St. Mathias and St. Michael’s, and outside St. Mary’s Credit Union Friday and Saturday.