The Knights of Columbus Council 11671 collected 750 pounds of coffee, 2,000 pounds of sugar, and $1,250 in cash donations for New Jersey’s largest anti-poverty organization the Eva’s Village.

Paul Fierro, purchasing agent for Eva’s Village and a knight, made a request to the Knight’s Council in the Paterson Federation in early spring to collect coffee, sugar, and tea to serve to the needy during the cold winter months.

Eva’s Village serves coffee daily to the city’s homeless population in the winter. Fierro wanted to college 600 pounds of coffee, sugar, and tea for the needy, but by the end of August the 51 councils in the Paterson Federation shattered expectations by collecting 750 pounds of coffee, 2,000 pounds of sugar, and $1,250 in cash donations.

Fierro said the donations continue to come in.

“It is amazing the things that can be accomplished by a few good men for a charitable cause,” Former District Deputy and former Grand Knight of Council 11671 Ray Lill said. “Since I told my friends about this drive every morning on my porch steps I find a bag or two with coffee. The people just keep giving and giving.”

Heather Thompson, director of operations for Eva’s Village, thanked the knights for collecting the supplies. The supplies will enable the organization to provide coffee to the needy all winter.

Photo: Left to right: Paul Fierro, Eva’s Purchasing Agent; Ray Lill, K of C former District Deputy and Council 11671 Past Grand Knigh; Ms. Heather Thompson, Eva’s Director of Development and Richard Donkersloot, Council 11671 Grand Knight.