Men wearing bright yellow and red vests will be greeting customers at several Hays business this afternoon during the 43rd annual Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive .

All proceeds benefit people with intellectual disabilities.

“We average about $13,000 each year from the drive and business donations,” says David Dunn. This is his 8th year to chair the fundraiser.  “Saturday morning we found a $100 bill in one can.”

Charles Albers worked outside the Dillon’s store on Vine Street People for four hours Saturday. “People are generous.  Some of them don’t event take a Tootsie Roll, just slip the money into the canister,” says Albers.

About 50 volunteers from seven K of C Councils are working the fundraiser, which started Friday and concludes today.  The K of C Councils are Immaculate Heart of St. Mary, St. Joseph, St. Nicholas, Catherine, Munjor, Schoenchen and Fort Hays State University.

“Eighty percent of the money collected stays in Hays,” says Dunn.  “Our councils split the money equally and then give it to local organizations that work with these special citizens,including Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, ARC and Bethesda Place.”

Last year the Knights donated $23,000 to underwrite  the Kansas Knights of Columbus Special Olympics Basketball Tournament in Hays.