Following the recent fire at the Agri Processors plant in Postville, Iowa, many local families are coping with a temporary loss of income, job uncertainty, and an immediate need for essential items—an urgency heightened by the start of the school year. Currently, between 160 and 200 families rely on food assistance each week.

In response, the Iowa Knights of Columbus Charitable Foundation Board approved a $5,000 donation to the Postville Food Shelf. Additionally, local councils across Northeast Iowa were asked to contribute $500 each through the Food for Families or Helping Hands programs.

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Thanks to these combined efforts, representatives from the Knights of Columbus met at the Postville Food Shelf on August 25th to present a total donation of $10,000 to date.

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Pictured in the photo: Jim Wadsworth; Chuck Votsmeier (Waukon Council); District Deputy Les Opat; District Deputy Dr. John Baldwin; Larry Hauber (District Deputy & NE Iowa Region Support); Les Lang (Monona); Bruce Kleve (Clermont); Jeff Heins (Monona); Barb Huisman (Director, Postville Food Shelf); Gary Langreck (Cresco Council); J. Kleve (Clermont); and Al Friedhoff (West Union Council).

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Not pictured: Postville Mayor Dennis Koenig, who expressed deep gratitude for the support from the Iowa Knights of Columbus. Mayor Koenig noted that while Agri Processors plans to rebuild, recovery will take time, making ongoing regional support vital.

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A sincere thank you to the local Knights of Columbus councils and parish families who have reached out to support those in need.