The COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for the Knights of Columbus in Palatine, Illinois, to continue their charitable activities.

“Regrettably, many of the charitable activities the Knights had planned had to be canceled,” Grand Knight Bob Novak told the Daily Herald. “It occurred to me that our members were no longer focused on the most important principle of our order – charity.”

An opportunity to help finally presented itself when members learned that the Illinois Department of Health's safety precautions prohibited the use of water pitchers in institutions such as Palatine's St. Joseph's Home for the Elderly, operated by the Little Sisters of the Poor. That prompted a bottled water drive by the Knights, which they held in the parking lot of the St. Theresa Catholic Church.

The Knights collected 55 cases of bottled water and more than $11,500 in donations.

“We had 150 cars pulling in and dropping off water, dropping off checks,” said member Jim Arns. “We’ve got to protect our elderly.”

“We are in awe of how fast they have acted and the number of bottles we have for residents,” Mother Provincial Maria Christine told the Herald. With a house of nearly 90 elderly persons, water goes quickly, even more so when we are all trying to keep everyone healthy.”

A video about the bottled water drive can be viewed here.