Knights of Columbus Partners with Judy Sullivan Resource Center

The Knights of Columbus work diligently each year to raise over $100,000 to donate to amazing local charities in our community. The Judy Sullivan Resource Center (part of Catholic Charities) is one of these very worthy charities. The Leader of this center is Allegra Belliard (and she is absolutely AMAZING!). She is passionate, loving, and dedicated to the Center. She has been helping the poor and disadvantaged for over 20 years! Now that’s true dedication.Their facility is inEast Naples (on Route 41) by the courthouse, and they have been in this building for over seven years. This facility serves 10 different counties in providing food pantry and additional services to the disadvantaged. Make no mistake, this is a major operation.The overall Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Venice provides a wide range of services including emergency assistance, food and housing, counseling, and mental health services and programs for seniors and children. 

So, what do they do? 

This is no ordinary organization. They operate a food pantry on Tuesdays and Thursdays that is second to none. It is a “choice pantry.”  The disadvantage can “shop” for the items they will cook and eat. This maintains their dignity; they shopjust like everyone does at a grocery store. The selection of food includes dry, canned, dairy, meat, bread, and produce. A family of fourleaves with five days of food. Now that is just incredible. Dignity and nourishment for an entire family! 

You might ask, so how many families do they support? Over 500 low-incomefamilies come each month! But wait, it does not stop there! For families that cannotgo to the food pantry, the center uses itsmobile food distribution and goes to over 200 families at their homes each month to provide them with food.  

And the Judy Sullivan Center is not just a food pantry…. they do even more! 

They sponsor a weekend “power pack” feeding program.Theyprovide food to kids who are considered “food insecure” over the weekend. They helpedfour elementary schools and deliveredmeals to over 550 kids this past school year. These kids received breakfast, lunch, and snack dinner. 

The Judy Sullivan Resource Center also has a Financial Assistance Program. If disadvantaged people have issues with rent, utilities, etc., the Centercan provide help. Currently over 30 households a month are receiving assistance. 

They also help the homeless every Tuesday (over 70 people a week), they provide food,toiletries, clothing, and shoes. The center provides a hot meal, a buspass and even gives them a bike to get around. This is what compassion is all about. 

The Judy Sullivan Center sponsors an “Undie SundayProgram,” which collects underwear and socks from over 30churcheswho participate in this program. These donations are distributed to over 35 elementary schools in Naples. 

How can you help? 

First, you should know that EVERY DOLLAR DONATED GOES DIRECTLY to the disadvantaged! Very few charities can say this! You can mail any amount in a checkpayable to The Judy Sullivan Resource Center, attention Allegra Belliard, 3174 Tamiami Trail, East Naples, FL 34112. 

Second, you can donate to Catholiccharitiesdov.org and specify the Judy Sullivan Resource Center. 

Third, you can be one of the over100 volunteers who work so hard in supporting this amazing organization. If you volunteer, you will touch people’s lives forever. Please email Allegra at Allegra.belliard@catholiccharitiesdov.org. 

We are so proud offellow Knight Steve Vasco, who has volunteered tirelessly for the center unloading food trucks, making deliveries to those in need of food,and so much more. Steve, we love you, and you are a great Knight! 

How do you know this Organization is making a difference? 

Allegra, the director of the program, told me that recently a young homeless family had three medical issues andcould not work. They were sleeping in their car. He was trying to get a job. With the help of the Judy Sullivan Resource Center, they were able to get them out of the car, get them a hotel to stay in, and help thehusband get a job and get their family back on their feet. That is what the Judy Sullivan Resource Center does. So please consider a donation or helping this amazing organization. 

The San Marco Knights of Columbus have over 240 members who generously give their time and energy in supporting the community. This unique group of men raise over $100,000 each year that they donate to various local charities on and around Marco Island, Florida. You'll see these men working hard but always smiling at their events such as Bingo, Fish Fry's, Concerts, Golf tournaments, and Car Shows, to name a few. But you will also see them ushering at church and helping other local organizations on the island, too. 

If you are interested in being part of this unique group of men, please contact John Caltabiano at 239-642-9840.