The Damien Council 598, Knights of Columbus of Jim Thorpe raised more than $5,600 to help a shelter in the Bethlehem area. On Sept. 28, Knights of Columbus Grand Knight Carl Burghardt of the Damien Council 598, Jim Thorpe, along with fellow members Deputy Grand Knight Francis O’Donnell, Treasurer Thomas R. Brogan, and Chancellor David F. Bradley Sr., presented Christine Duddy, outreach coordinator of Mary’s Shelter, with a check for $5,600.

The money was raised by parishioners of SS. Peter and Paul Church in Lehighton and Immaculate Conception and St. Joseph’s in Jim Thorpe. The fundraiser was held between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Parishioners were asked to fill baby bottles with change during that period to help Mary’s Shelter, a nonprofit organization that provides both residential and nonresidential services for disadvantaged pregnant women. The shelter also serves women with newborns who are in need of a supportive environment an account of a lack of suitable housing or a favorable family relationship.

The staff at Mary’s Shelter were overjoyed by the community’s response, thanking everyone for their support.