By Tim Harfmann
The Brooklyn Knights of Columbus are on an urgent mission, putting together relief packages for those hit by Hurricane Dorian.
What’s needed most are non-perishable foods, diapers, toiletries and cleaning products.
The Knights from Saint Finbar and Most Precious Blood churches in Bath Beach, Brooklyn are collecting the supplies, and will truck them over 500 miles to North Carolina.
Dorian slammed into the state two weeks ago, dumping rain that caused flooding on the Outer Banks.
“They were getting people off the island by boat and by helicopters,” said Grand Knight Charlie Shelley.
Now, once again, the Knights are putting their faith into action.
Father Michael Gelfant is a Knights of Columbus Chaplain and the pastor of Saint Finbar
Church.
“We focus on men’s spirituality in the Catholic Church, so it’s an opportunity for them to pray, to comfort and console when they go down there,” explained Father Michael Gelfant, a Knights of Columbus Chaplain and the pastor of Saint Finbar Church.
“They meet their brother Knights who are suffering and families, so they’re part of that process; but also there’s a bonding moment. They’re doing it as a band of brothers,” he said.
“If we could give them a little relief, it’s worth a million dollars,” said Grand Knight Louis Stuto.
The Brooklyn Knights staged the same sort of drive last year, when Hurricane Florence slammed the Carolinas.
The relief effort was eye-opening, even for those New Yorkers who lived through Hurricane Sandy.
“They were hit a lot harder than we were. I mean, you had houses that were completely submerged, when we arrived in new bern, they were down to one case of water and a roll of paper towels,” Charlie recalled.
While the Knights are supplying much-needed items, the team is still looking for more.
You can drop off donations at Saint Finbar Church, located at 138 Bay 20th Street in Brooklyn.
Gifts are being accepted through Sunday, September 22.