Blood Drive

Edwardsville Council 1143 partners with ImpactLife to host community blood drives six times a year—February, April, June, August, October, and December. Each drive runs from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and while walk‑ins are welcome, scheduled appointments are preferred.

For the remainder of 2026, the upcoming blood drive dates are:

  • August 5
  • October 7
  • December 16

All three will be held from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Hall, 7132 Marine Rd., Edwardsville.

To schedule an appointment, visit bloodcenter.org and use group code 9920, or call Lynn Ripper at 618‑799‑9255.

 

Coats for Kids

Each year, as colder weather approaches, Edwardsville Council 1143 allocates member‑donated funds to provide warm winter coats for children in need within our community. These coats are delivered to the local Head Start program, which identifies children requiring assistance and ensures the coats are distributed appropriately.

This initiative reflects our council’s ongoing commitment to supporting the well‑being of local families and strengthening our community through service

Free Throw Contest

The Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship is held each year, offering boys and girls ages 9 to 14 the opportunity to compete in their respective age divisions. Participants begin at the local level, with winners advancing to district and jurisdictional competitions. Final scores from the jurisdiction level determine the international champions, announced by the Knights of Columbus headquarters in New Haven, Connecticut.

At the local competition hosted by Council 1143, every contestant is recognized for their participation and sportsmanship. This program encourages skill development, healthy competition, and community involvement among our parish youth.

Global Wheelchair

The Knights of Columbus has partnered with the American Wheelchair Mission since 2003 and the Canadian Wheelchair Foundation since 2006, working together under the Global Wheelchair Mission to restore mobility and dignity to those in need. Through this initiative, councils provide life‑changing assistance both locally and internationally — from presenting wheelchairs to veterans and neighbors in our own communities to contributing funds that support recipients around the world.

 

Highway Cleaup

Edwardsville Council 1143 remains committed to maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of our community. As part of this ongoing effort, the council conducts organized litter‑removal operations along a two‑mile segment of Illinois Route 143. This service initiative is performed three times annually, reflecting our dedication to environmental stewardship and civic responsibility.

Christmas Shopping Spree

Each Christmas season, Edwardsville Council 1143 organizes a special holiday outreach program to support local children in need. Through community fundraising, each child receives a set amount of money to purchase meaningful gifts for their family and friends at the local Walmart.

After shopping, the children return to our hall to wrap their gifts, enjoy holiday treats, and share in the spirit of the season. This annual tradition brings joy to the children we serve and strengthens our community through generosity and fellowship.

Soccer Challenge

Each fall, Council 1143 hosts its annual Soccer Challenge, an event that promotes sportsmanship, skill development, and healthy competition among local youth. Participants showcase one of the most essential soccer abilities — shooting accuracy on the penalty kick.

Boys and girls compete within their own age and gender divisions, with top scorers advancing from the local competition to district, regional, and state/province levels. The program offers a fun, encouraging environment where young athletes can grow, compete, and represent their community.