Knights of Columbus Hosts Tootsie Roll Drive For Special Education

Staunton Council raises funds for local special education programs and Illinois Special Olympics

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Staunton Knights of Columbus Council recently presented a check to Allison Storm of the South Macoupin Association for Special Education, representing funds collected during their annual Tootsie Roll drive held in September. The drive involved knights collecting donations on Main Street in exchange for Tootsie Roll candies, with 10% of the proceeds going to the State Council for Illinois Special Olympics and the remainder staying local to support special education programs.

Why it matters

The Knights of Columbus have a long history of supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through initiatives like the Tootsie Roll drive. These fundraising efforts help provide critical resources and programming for special education in local communities.

The details

During the Tootsie Roll drive, the Staunton Knights of Columbus Council members collected donations on Main Street, handing out the iconic Tootsie Roll candies in exchange. Ten percent of the funds raised were sent to the State Council to benefit the Illinois Special Olympics, while the remaining 90% stayed local to support the South Macoupin Association for Special Education.

  • The Tootsie Roll drive was held in September 2026.
  • The Staunton Knights of Columbus Council recently presented the check to the South Macoupin Association for Special Education.

The players

Staunton Knights of Columbus Council

A local council of the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal service organization, that organized the Tootsie Roll fundraising drive.

Allison Storm

A representative of the South Macoupin Association for Special Education, the local recipient of the Tootsie Roll drive funds.

South Macoupin Association for Special Education

A local organization that provides special education programs and services in the Staunton area.

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The takeaway

The Staunton Knights of Columbus Council's annual Tootsie Roll drive demonstrates the organization's ongoing commitment to supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through fundraising efforts that benefit both local special education programs and the Illinois Special Olympics.