Knights’ Baby Bottle Fundraiser benefits Erie and Crawford counties women’s resource centers

Sheila Grove
10/11/2024

Erie and Crawford County Knights of Columbus recently presented checks totaling $108,075 to three area pregnancy aid centers. The Women’s Care Center in Erie received $94,255; the Pregnancy Resource Center in Meadville, $11,277; and Boro Women and Family Services in Edinboro, $2,543. The funds were raised by thirty-six parishes and four Catholic schools through the Knights’ Third Annual Baby Bottle Fundraiser.

The Knights of Columbus present a check for $94,255 to the
Women's Care Center of Erie. (Left to right) Jimmy McAnalley,
Ken Grugel, Greg Penco, Mike Case, Randy Newport, Dave
Cottrell, Bishop Lawrence Persico, Doug Fleming, Phil Legler
and Joe Mattis.
*Photo courtesy Knights of Columbus*

Baby bottles were distributed to parishes and schools on Mother’s Day and collected on Father’s Day, filled with donations that will be used to provide pregnancy support, education, ultrasounds, diapers, formula and more to individuals and families.

The Knights were able to supplement their donation to the Women’s Care Center with an Erie Gives Day corporate match in August. Their gift was further enhanced by grant support from the Knights of Columbus Supreme in Connecticut.

“We feel very proud not only about what the Knights do but how our parishioners come through for this. There is great support for what we’re trying to do within the Catholic community,” said Phil Legler, co-coordinator of Erie and Crawford County Knights of Columbus Baby Bottle Fundraiser.

While meeting needs presented by many organizations locally, this year’s collaboration augments support the Knights have offered in recent years by raising money to purchase ultrasound technology and support its use.

“Donations thus far have enabled the Knights to purchase five state-of-the-art ultrasound machines and a mobile ultrasound clinic for the Women’s Care Center of Erie,” reported Jeffrey McGovern, MD, chancellor of St. Peter Cathedral Knights Council. Their efforts offer life-saving support to women and babies during stressful times.

“Without this funding, we probably would not be here. It’s that important to have the Knights stand with us and the church stand with us to make sure our services can be provided to Erie, Crawford and Warren counties,” said Randy Newport, executive director, Women’s Care Center.

In October 1881, Father McGivney, Knights founder, recognized needs in his community and gathered a group of men to meet them. His legacy continues worldwide as Knights of Columbus councils gather to meet spiritual and temporal needs in their communities.