Knights Distribute $1 Million Worth of Wheelchairs t...( Wheelchairs distributed in Washingto...),Health

Wheelchairs distributed in Washington D.C., North Texas, Los Angeles, and

Chicago Effort latest in long K of C tradition of helping military and vets since

World War I

NEW HAVEN, Conn., Nov. 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Knights of Columbus distributed a total of $1 million worth of wheelchairs to veterans in need at four locations on Veterans Day weekend, Nov. 9 and 10, continuing a long history of K of C service to the men and women of the U.S. military.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071110/CLSA011 )

The Knights of Columbus purchased 2000 wheelchairs (worth $1 million) and partnered with the Wheelchair Foundation to distribute them. The wheelchairs were distributed in each of four locations beginning at Veteran's Day ceremonies at Bonham High School in Bonham, Texas (near Dallas) on Nov. 9, and at VA Hospital locations in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and Chicago on Nov. 10.

"As our nation pauses to honor these men and women on Veterans Day, we are honored to be able to reach out to help veterans in need," said Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson, who attended the Washington, D.C. event. "This wheelchair distribution continues our long-standing tradition of service to our service men and women, both those who are on active duty and those who are retired."

The Knights of Columbus has long supported American troops and veterans. Beginning in 1916 -- and continuing throughout World War I -- the Knights sponsored Army Huts, a program of entertainment centers that ultimately became the model for the USO, earning high praise from Gen. John J. Pershing. The Knights also helped provide additional chaplains for the troops. After World War I, the Knights ran a series of night schools for returning veterans to help them reenter the job market.

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