You can mail donations to:
                                                           NJ State Council Knights of Columbus
                                                           PO Box 221
                                                           Budd Lake, NJ, 07828-0221
                                                           Notation: North Carolina Relief

All donations will go directly to Brother Knights and their families through their local and State Council.

My Brother Knights,
 
Praised be Jesus Christ,
 
Greetings from the flatlands down Jersey!
 
I am reaching out to you today to discuss a matter of great importance. Having just returned from South Carolina, where I witnessed the profound effects of Hurricane Helene on my family, I am deeply moved by the devastation in North Carolina. The need for our support is significant. 
 
I am sure many of you remember Super Storm Sandy well and the hardship it caused. With all the damage in South Carolina, the devastation of North Carolina was on everyone's lips, and the collections were not for their families affected in South Carolina but were to be sent to North Carolina. 
 
It's hard to believe that the beautiful places I visited with my family just six weeks ago are now in such a state of devastation. The memories of our hike at Table Rock and Chimney Rock and the joy we shared at the Lake House Grill on Lake Lure watching the fish jump are now overshadowed by the images of destruction on the TV. This personal connection makes the need for our support even more urgent to me.
 
My brothers, we need to take action. Our Brother Knights of Council 1695 at St. Lawrence in Ashville and around the state need our help. They can not rely on the government. 
 
I have been in contact with the State Deputy Sergio Miranda. He assured me that the council was back and in working order. He will have the Grand Knight contact us. We want our efforts to go directly to Brother Knights, their families, and their churches.

First, SD Sergio asked for prayers and any financial help we could offer. Your support, in any form, will be greatly appreciated. Right now, they need water, baby needs, toiletries, and clothing. SD Sergio will compile a list of materials for us over the next few days. Families will only have a place to cook when FEMA gets trailers into the area, and no one knows when that will be.
 
Once the local council 1695 moves forward, they seek our help cleaning up and rebuilding.
 
I am reaching out tonight to ask you to consider making a chapter/federation, council, or personal donation to the New Jersey State Council Disaster Relief fund. Please visit our website at https://njkofc.com/disaster-relief for instructions on where to mail your donation.
 
Your State Council will start with a donation of $1000.00, and I will donate $50.00 myself. We are deeply grateful for any support you can provide, no matter the amount. Your contribution, large or small, is invaluable to our effort.
  
 
We will have the details worked out for the credit card option by the end of the week so you can donate online.

In two weeks, we will donate to the council in Ashville, 1695. Any funds collected after that will be donated at the recommendation of the North Carolina State Council. Your State Council will ensure that your donations are used where they are most needed, providing the best possible support to our Brother Knights and their families.
 
Once we get Sergio's material list, we will look for councils that can act as area drop-off sites and have the capacity to store materials while they are collected. If you have that capacity and can help, let me know by email. We are also talking to some trucking firms for their help. Any contact you can share for trucking or bulk food would be appreciated.
 
Now is the time for us to unite and support our fellow Brother Knights and their families. Please consider donating, no matter the amount, in materials, financially, or in time. Your contribution will make a significant difference in their lives. I appreciate your support.
 
Raymond Sands
State Deputy
NJ State Council, Knights of Columbus
[email protected]