For the St Rose Knights of Columbus, there is no greater reward than the smiles and joyful excitement of young children on Christmas morning. It is an experience they’ve helped deliver for the last 16 years.

The Knights began their toy drive in 2006 to help families in need, whether it be gifts for birthday parties throughout the year or for under the Christmas tree. Since its inception, it has been one of their most successful efforts for charity

The toy drive collects toys donated by parishioners and friends of St Rose Parish during the weeks leading up to Christmas. The Knights then organize the donations and lay out a seemingly endless display of toys on tables in the St Rose School Monsignor Weiss Gathering Hall.

Parents of young children, who would otherwise not be able to afford gifts, come from all over to “shop the aisles” for toys their children will then find under the Christmas tree on Christmas morning.

In 2013, after the Sandy Hook School tragedy, the Knights renamed their toy drive The Caroline Previdi Toy Chest, in honor of a kindergartner who died on December 14, 2012.

“Caroline embodied the spirit of giving and compassion for others, and that notion aligned perfectly with the purpose of the many good works of the St Rose Knights”, said Matt Velsmid, chairperson of the Knight’s toy drive committee.

Since then, the toy chest has grown to be one of the biggest fundraisers of the parish and Knights, and the generosity of those who donate is extraordinary. Donations come from individuals, organizations and the St Rose School community.

The Knights estimate they have distributed more than 40,000 toys to hundreds of families in Newtown and surrounding towns since 2006, and donations seem to grow every year.

“The story of Caroline Previdi seems to resonate with our Parish and touches the hearts of so many that want to give of their time and treasure and that makes this toy drive a bigger success every year,” said Velsmid.

This year, the Knights set up an Amazon shopping page for those who want to shop from home and send their donations directly to the parish.

“It is overwhelming how many boxes are received on a daily basis for the toy drive,” says Monsignor Bob Weiss, pastor of St Rose Church. “This is a beautiful way for all of us to remember Caroline Previdi and all our angels we lost that day, and hopefully it brings a sense of purpose, healing, and peace for all involved.”