Though we originate from a myriad of different places and possess distinct backgrounds, we unite under a shared belief system that binds us together as a vibrant community of faith. As proud members of the St. Walter's faith community, we serve collectively as part of the Knights of Columbus, specifically the Pope John Council 5732, which symbolizes our commitment to faith, family, charitable service and brotherhood. In the wake of the pandemic, our council has emerged as a beacon of hope and resilience, engaging actively in various community initiatives both locally and across the broader Greater Chicagoland Area. During these unprecedented times, we have successfully provided over three million freshly prepared meals to individuals and families facing food insecurity. Beyond this remarkable effort, we have actively collected and distributed essential items such as blankets and socks, seeking to alleviate some of the struggles that many have faced. Our partnership with Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Market has been particularly fruitful, allowing us to raise significant funds that enabled the purchase of over 20,000 brand-new winter coats for our much-cherished Coats for Kids program. This heartfelt initiative has been a labor of love and community spirit, supported consistently for eight years by the festive All Michigan Ave. Christmas party organized by dedicated entrepreneurs Matt Diechl and Omar Hassan in Artspace 8 located near  Bloomingdales on Michigan Ave.Our commitment to service is reflected through a variety of initiatives—whether it’s our beloved Coats for Kids, our annual “ ID” drive to support individuals with intellectual disabilities, the Vocations Raffle which promotes and supports future church leaders, or our continued support for our parish and parochial school. The Pope John Council is unwavering in its mission to uplift and assist our parish community and the surrounding areas, addressing both local needs and extending our outreach to a national and international scale through our efforts as Knights of Columbus. We strive not only to serve but also to inspire others to join us in making a meaningful impact.