Wheelchair Mission Update

Below are Wheelchair Mission activities, which I am aware of, so far this fraternal year. Please let me know what your councils and dioceses are doing to support the American Wheelchair Mission, so that I can include them in future reports.

In July, St. Mark the Evangelist Council 6065 in Plano and Our Lady of Angels Council 13044 in Allen provided a large container of 280 wheelchairs for the Tamaulipas, Mexico CRIT Center. Making the trip to help distribute some of those wheelchairs at the CRIT Center and to five homes were Brad Meyer and his daughter Morgan, Past State Deputy Terry Simonton and his wife Estelle and State Warden Pat Henz.

In August, Mary Immaculate Council 5052 in Farmers Branch held their 5th Wheelchair Drive and raised $26,006 for 173 wheelchairs. Thanks to Dallas Diocesan Deputy Roy Rabenaldt for again coordinating their drive.

In September, St. Pius X Council 14568 in Dallas held their first ever Wheelchair Drive and raised $25,162 for 167 wheelchairs. Thanks to Brother Eduardo Valenzuela for coordinating the drive, reading the pulpit talk at all the masses and helping to collect donations. Their funds were used towards the purchase of a large container of 280 wheelchairs for the CRIT Center in Durango, Mexico.

Sacred Heart Council 10646 in Rowlett held a Wheelchair Drive and raised $6,082 for 40 wheelchairs, with their funds also being used for the Durango container. Thanks to Brother John Hardin for all his efforts.

St. Andrew Kim Council 17146 in Irving also held their first ever Wheelchair Drive and raised $18,818 for 125 wheelchairs. Thanks to Brother Dr. Greg Jeong for his leadership in coordinating the drive, reading the pulpit talk at all the masses and helping after all the masses. Their funds were also used towards the large container of wheelchairs for the CRIT Center in Durango, Mexico.

St. Mark the Evangelist Council 6065 in Plano held their 2nd Wheelchair Drive and raised $16,130 for 107 wheelchairs. Thanks to Field Agent Charlie Minjares for all his efforts in again coordinating the drive. Their funds will be used towards a large container of wheelchairs for the CRIT Center in Chihuahua, Mexico.

In October, Prince of Peace Council 11716 in Plano provided a large container of 280 standard wheelchairs and 100 specialty wheelchairs for the Oaxaca, Mexico CRIT Center. Those making the trip to help distribute wheelchairs at the CRIT Center and to five homes were Prince of Peace Associate Pastor Father Stephen Ingram, Wayne & Rusty Adams, David Carr, Mark & Marty Dama, Jim & Lillian Kowalski, Dick & Lorraine Leyendecker, Dan & Monique Stoffel, Bill & Elaine Weber and Steve & Kathleen Welsh.

St. Ann Council 11721 in Kaufman held their first ever Wheelchair Drive and raised $2,587 for 17 wheelchairs. Thanks to Field Agent James Speelman for all his efforts in coordinating this drive.

In November, Our Lady of Angels Council 13044 in Allen held their 2nd Wheelchair Drive. Their drive raised $16,010 for 106 wheelchairs and will benefit the CRIT Center in Saltillo, Mexico. Thanks to Brother Brad Meyer for again leading their drive and to his daughter Morgan for helping him with the pulpit talks.

St. Edward Council 14512 in Spring again held their Chili Cook Off and raised over $19,500.

In December and January, no Wheelchair Drives were held but we did receive donations from councils.

As of January 31st, the state of Texas has raised $196,241 for 1,308 wheelchairs. The Wheelchair Mission goal for 2019-2020 is to raise $500K to provide 3,333 wheelchairs. In order to reach that goal, we need Councils to step up and help with this mission by holding a Wheelchair Sunday or some other fundraiser at your parish. Wheelchair Sundays not only help provide wheelchairs for those in need, but they are also a great way to recruit new members for your Council. Please see the report below that shows Texas By Diocese and the Top 5 Councils in State of Texas.

At the very least, we hope that each Council is aware of this program and would at least donate $150 for one wheelchair, which is the state goal of our Worthy State Deputy Mark Evans. Please email me your donation details, but mail checks and forms to Dan Moberg, American Wheelchair Mission, 2600 E. Seltice Way, Suite A172, Post Falls, ID 83854-7991. Also, please be sure your Council Number and Diocese is on your checks, so that your donation will be properly credited.

If you have any questions about getting a drive started at your parish or anything else, please contact me via email at yankeesweb@tx.rr.com or cell at 214-405-8023. Thank you and God bless you Texas Brother Knights.