LAPLACE — This month, the Knights of Columbus Council 5935 donated $3,500 to the St. John ARC Day Development Training Center in LaPlace to benefit mentally and physically challenged adults in the parish.

The donation was funded by money collected from bingo nights held on Tuesdays and Fridays at the KC Hall at 346 Fir St. near St. Joan of Arc Church in LaPlace, according to Grand Knight Eddie Jouty.

He said the Council makes a donation to the ARC every year, and it’s one of many charitable projects the Knights of Columbus are involved in to enhance the community.

The donation will help buy work shirts and classroom supplies including paper, pencils and shredders for clients, according to Linda Lambert, day program director for the ARC.

She said the St. John ARC is a day program providing janitorial service, yard work and office jobs to mentally and physically challenged adults 20 years of age or older to instill a sense of purpose and give them something to take part in.

“We appreciate the donation,” Lambert said. “It makes the clients feel good to know the community cares about them.”

Jouty said the Council also pays clients from the ARC to clean the KC meeting hall every Tuesday so they can experience a feeling of independence and self worth.

Providing for the needy of the state is one of the activities forwarding the Council’s mission, according to Jouty.

He said the Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men’s organization driven by four core principles: charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism.

In addition to working with the St. John ARC, the Council also supports the church and other charitable organizations in the community. Recently, members presented a $1,000 donation to St. Charles Catholic High School to fund building renovations.

The Council also takes part in activities at St. Joan of Arc Church, where members participate in altar serving the fourth weekend of every month.

In order to continue doing work in the community, the Knights of Columbus hold fundraisers and maintain fellowship with other local councils, Jouty said. Some examples include hosting poker, horseshoe and bowling tournaments and raising money on bingo nights.

They were once known for selling tootsie rolls on the side of the highway, he said, but have since discontinued that fundraiser and now brainstorm new ways to raise money for charity.

Jouty’s council is recently assisted Knights of Columbus Council 5301 with a veterans car show in Reserve, from which proceeds will be donated to South East Veterans Home to fund resident activities.

Having been a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1976, Jouty said the organization is important to him, and he’s enjoyed collaborating with others.

“I’ve liked working with other knights on certain activities,” Jouty said.

“There’s been good fellowship and memories.”

He said the Knights of Columbus Council 5935 is always looking for new members, noting one must be at least 18 years old and a practicing Catholic to join.

For more information, call Jouty at 985-651-6974.