Knights successful in providing aid for nursing homes

The St. Martin’s Knights of Columbus, Council 11695, successfully accomplished its mission to raise and distribute much needed supplies to area nursing homes, assisted care facilities, and first responders during the April portion of the COVID-19 quarantine.

The effort, which was called mid-way through the project “No Senior Left Behind,” lasted from April 10 to May 1, and distributed over $480,000 to over 26 area entities. Donated supplies included PPE (personal protection equipment) such as face masks and gloves, hand sanitizer, cleaning products, paper towels, toilet paper, hygiene products, and other similar need items. Knight Jimmy Winkler said, “As we wrap up a successful campaign of delivering much needed supplies to nursing homes and first responders, I would like to thank my fellow Dripping Springs Knights of Columbus brothers for accomplishing this difficult mission.” Winkler also expressed the Knight’s appreciation for the strong community’s support. “I would like to thank the many volunteers who packaged and delivered the products to the nursing homes, as well as donors-- special thanks to Lyssa and Hank Seale, Carrie Isaac, Whim Hospitality, Walt Graner, North Austin AutoNation Chevrolet, and One Shot Distillery.”

The Knight’s collection point also accepted donations and money for areafood banks-- the Helping Hands food pantry and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (St. Martin Catholic Church) food pantry. “Also a heartfelt thank you to the folks that gave monetary donation and canned goods for the food banks in Dripping Springs. As usual the people of Dripping Springs showed their love and kindness when people are in need.”

Some of the entities supported by this effort were: Advent Health Care Center; Alexis Point senior living; Brookdale North; Creekside Senior Villas; Cypress Healthcare Center; Deer Creek of Wimberley (senior living); FE care for elderly care; Henry House Assisted Living; Hill Country Nursing and Rehab; Kyle Area Senior Zone; LaVista Senior Facility; Legend Oaks Rehabilitation; Ledgestone Memory Care; Live Oak Medical Center; Merritt Senior Living; New Haven Memory Care; North Hays County Fire/Rescue; Onion Creek Senior Living; Orchard Park Nursing; Pct. 4 Constable’s Office; San Marcos EMS; Sodalis Senior Living; Stonebrook Senior Living; The Philomena; Wimberly Life Care; and Wimberly Senior Living Facility.

Debra Maddox, Director of Marketing and Admission at Ledgestone Senior Living said of the Knights' efforts, “They are truly our Knights in shining armor and came to the rescue of so many Seniors in Dripping Springs.” North Hays County Fire/Rescue, ESD #6, also expressed its thanks. “Thank you to the Knights of Columbus for sending some protective masks our way. These will certainly help keep our responders safe while we serve our great community. We appreciate your kindness and your support of our mission,” Fire Chief Scott Collard said in a statement to the Century News.