VALLEY — Every year, the William Merna Sr. Council of the Knights of Columbus conducts a Tootsie Roll drive for Valley Haven School. This year’s drive will be taking place on Saturday, Oct. 5. The Knights of Columbus is a men’s fraternal service organization of the Catholic Church.

The organization is based on four principles: charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism.

Gene White is chairing this year’s drive. The entire effort is do     Cne with volunteer help. The volunteers will be easily recognizable in their bright yellow and red aprons, and they will be handing out Tootsie Rolls and accepting donations to help sponsor services for area citizens with special needs.

“Funds derived through this campaign are donated to help persons with cognitive, intellectual and developmental disabilities,” White said. “Locally, the funds go to Valley Haven School to help meet the local match for state and federal money. Over the years, Valley Haven has gotten much match money for many projects. Last year over $5,500 was raised.”

This is the 42nd annual Tootsie Roll Drive, and more than 60 volunteers will be helping. This includes the Knights and their families, church members as well as the Valley Haven board, staff and family members. The Knights’ long-time commitment to individuals with special needs has helped people throughout the U.S. for many years.

“We thank the local Knights for the help they have given our school for more than 40 years now,” said Valley Haven Executive Director Craig Brown. “We urge everyone to support them on Saturday and to thank them for their long-time support of Valley Haven.”