Seminarians Hold Poboy Drive-thru for Victims of Human Trafficking

Seminarians from the Fr. Joseph Lafleur Knights of Columbus Council #17205 at Saint Joseph Seminary College, the first seminary-based K of C in Louisiana, recently held a drive-thru fundraiser for victims of human trafficking.

Seminarians prepared, packaged and distributed nearly 100 shrimp and roast beef poboys to drive-up patrons. Including donations, the Knights raised more than $900 for Metanoia Manor outside of Baton Rouge, a faith-based residential facility that offers a place of refuge to female adolescent victims of human trafficking.

“We chose Metanoia because we felt that human trafficking is a major issue in our country that isn’t talked about nearly as much as it should be. We also wanted to support a local charity that is helping those in our own community who are in need,” said Sean Lee, Grand Knight for K of C #17205.

The pandemic presented a unique situation for the council, which searched for an opportunity to lend a hand while remaining on campus for the safety of the community.

“As the year went on we realized that we would not be able to serve at other parishes in the way that we have in years past. Learning about how this pandemic has negatively affected so many charities, we wanted to find some way for us to raise money to provide some support,” said Lee.

The council was inspired to name their chapter after alumnus and native Louisiana Fr. Lafleur, who embodied the K of C principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism throughout his service as an Army Air Corps Chaplain. Fr. Lafluer twice received both the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions on Clark Field in the Phillippines and posthumously for the sacrifice of his life as a prisoner of war on baord a sinking Japanese ship to save the lives of his fellow brothers.

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