St Ann Council -10245 Coppell Leaves No Neighbor Behind

For more than 10 years, St Ann Council 10245 in Coppell has provided meals to the Hillcrest House in Dallas’ North Oak Cliff district.The Hillcrest House is a 64-unit single room occupancy that is managed by the Aids Services of Dallas (“ASD”).

Since its beginning in 1985, ASD’s mission is to create and strengthen healthy communities though the delivery of quality and affordable housing for individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS.Its mission further includes advocacy, education, and the development of affordable housing options and community development opportunities, for both its residents living with or impacted by HIV/AIDS and the economically disadvantaged people of Dallas.

Council 10245 has supported and volunteered for the Hillcrest House by providing countless meals once a quarter with the most recent effort on August 4, 2020.Prior to the pandemic, council members including long-time Program Directors, John Schott and Bill Cavelle would prepare up to 80 dinners, load, deliver and serve the meals to ASD residents.

Through the pandemic and no longer able to serve the meals, council members continue to meet at the parish kitchen at St. Ann parish to collect supplies, food, drinks, etc., safely prepare and package the meals and make ready for loading and delivery for the next day.It is a joint effort and there is always plenty of fellowship that happens at a safe distance.

“ASD is very thankful for the Knights of Columbus” says Alex Sanchez, Volunteer Service Manager for ASD.“We have a constant challenge in meeting the needs of our residents and these meals go a long way to help us meet those challenges.”“We are very fortunate to have the Knights of Columbus as one of our volunteer organizations”.Whether its sandwiches, chips and a drink or food procured from local restaurants, residents look forward to the dinners with much appreciation and gratitude.

It is in the spirit of Knights of Columbus, Faith in Action program and our principle of Charity thatCouncil 10245 continues to aide Hilcrest House through these trying times.Longtime program directors Brothers Schott and Cavelle and new organizers brothers Tom King and Tony Rausch and other 10245 brothers will continue to volunteer for the Hillcrest House and leave No Neighbor Behind.

I am thankful for all that they do for the council, our parish and our community.

Vivat Jesus