The Knights of Columbus in Pella are beginning their annual campaign for persons with intellectual disabilities today.
Members of the organization will be raising funds in front of the Pella HyVee, Fareway, and Walmart through August 27th. HyVee in Pella employs many people with disabilities in the community. Store Manager Derek Sparks says they look at a person’s qualifications, and provide help needed by any of their employees or interviewees.
“If they need any special assistance, whether it be interviews, training, or anything like that, we’re happy to accommodate that,” he says. “Once we know that employee can do the basic functions of the job, they are treated just like anyone else.”
Sparks believes anyone–whether they are disabled or not, should be able to pursue the life they want to lead, and that may start with a chance at employment.
“It’s our job as employers to make sure that we have these opportunities available,” he says. “I look at it as everyone deserves the chance to work–they all have a dream and all have a goal, and we shouldn’t be the ones to stop that. We should encourage it, help train them, and get them where they want to be.”
The Knights of Columbus in Pella are hoping to raise awareness and thousands of dollars for the Pella and Pella Christian Special Education Programs, Christian Opportunity Center, and the Iowa Special Olympics.