Knights bring immediate help to more than 430 families

By Tim Wenzl

Southwest Kansas Register

Nearly 30 members of the Knights of Columbus canvassed Greensburg May 9 handing out $100 vouchers for food, clothing, and medicine to the residents who lost their homes in the tornado.

The Knights helped 381 families in Greensburg and another 60 families in surrounding communities affected by the May 4 storm, according to Bill Baalman, president of the Knights Charities Aid Foundation and past state deputy. The funds were made possible by the State Knights through their Emergency Disaster Aid Program (EDAP).

The Knights, which included past state deputies, state officers, insurance agents, grand knights, the district deputy, members from local and surrounding councils and several wives, spent five hours in Greensburg covering 80 square blocks. They canvassed the town in teams of two handing out vouchers to each homeowner. The vouchers, to the Pratt Wal-Mart, will assist victims with purchases of food, clothing and medicines.

“Several people commented that they were Methodist, Baptist, Mennonite and others, and wanted to know if we would still help them,” said Baalman. “Our answer to them was that we are all in life together trying to get to the same goal. When people are suffering it doesn’t matter what religion, if any, they are. They still need our help and prayers.

“Everyone had a story of survival, helplessness, humbleness and happiness in being alive as well as expressing sorrow for those who were injured or lost their lives,” he added. “Many came to tears while telling their stories and were comforted by the Knights passing out vouchers. I wish everyone in Greensburg would write their own experience because what I heard from them, there are 1,500 plus people with 1,500 plus stories, each a little different, but all amazing.

“I think all of us were proud that in something as small at a $100 voucher and visiting with the people could bring so much thankfulness,” Baalman said. “The Knights were well received. Not one of our teams heard anything negative and all commented that the people were very friendly and many wanted to talk about their experiences. Many had tears and maybe in a small way we contributed to the start of the healing process. I’m sure my brother Knights were glad we gave up a day to help in a small way and only wish we could do more.”

The EDAP program is funded by the councils across the state of Kansas who raise and donate money for the Pennies from Heaven program. This money is transferred to the Knights of Columbus Charities Aid foundation to help people regardless of race or creed who have suffered a disaster from fire, flood, tornado etc.

In addition to the families in Greensburg, the Knights handed out vouchers to other victims of the May 4 storms in and around Great Bend, Ellinwood, Claflin, Burdett, Rozel, and Macksville.