By Tim Harfmann
The Knights of Columbus is one of the top organizations anywhere in the world, dedicated to helping people in need.
Council No. 4884 in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn has been hard at work for a long time, six decades to be exact.
The council focuses on charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism; the same values the lay charity practices around the globe.
“We rise to the top when need be, and we just continue to move forward,” said Grand Knight Mike Nuccio.
“The Knights of Columbus has been dubbed the right hand of the Church by Pope John Paul, and we live up to that,” added Bob Vezzuso, a member of the council.
One way they’re living up to that title is by bringing joy to children and those with developmental disabilities.
The Bensonhurst Knights host summer picnics and Christmas parties, handing out presents that make every child smile.
“You should see their faces when they get exactly what they want from Santa Claus,” explained Chris LaSalle. “It’s something that keeps me motivated to continue doing the good work of this council.”
Their good work also includes serving those who served: wounded warriors. The Knights visit hospitals to let vets know they’re not forgotten.
“I have to tell you, on that day, instead of raising their spirits they raised ours,” said James LaSalle, another member of the council.
To encourage patriotism, the Knights travel around town with a piece of steel recovered from the World Trade Center. Nine tons of that steel later went into the construction of the U.S.S. New York, a project the Knights helped sponsor.
They say it’s all to serve God and county.
“It’s good that we just keep on marching forward,” said Nuccio. “We’ve made 60 years, and we’re looking for another 60.”