Algona Knights lend a hand to neighbors in need

By DAWN PROSSER
Director of Communications
 
After starting his new position as formation coordinator for the permanent diaconate last fall, Deacon David Penton of Divine Mercy Parish of Kossuth County informally surveyed his fellow deacons to learn more about their involvement in various parish ministries throughout the diocese.
 
Deacon Dennis Brockhaus of Sioux City Mater Dei Parish shared that his fellow Knights had offered an Operation Handyman program to provide minor repairs and yardwork for anyone who might not be able to do the work themselves or find a contractor to do smaller jobs.
 
“I thought it was a pretty good idea. We have elderly and low-income people in Algona that could use some help,” Deacon Penton said. “I brought up the idea to the KCs in Algona. It took five minutes, they made a motion and it passed.”
 
Abby Cunningham, media specialist for Divine Mercy Parish of Kossuth County and West Bend, helped the Knights Council #952 and designed a logo and digital graphic for the group, then distributed it to the parish via the bulletin, parish app, website and social media.

 

Deacon Don McGuire of Divine Mercy Parish trims bushes as part of Operation Handyman.

“Are you in need of assistance with minor home repairs, yard work, moving, etc.?” the ad reads. “The Knights of Columbus are eager to lend a hand.” 

Deacon Penton is the first contact for those requesting help from a handyman. In a little over a month since launching the project, he has already fielded numerous calls for projects and questions about what kind of services the Knights could provide.
 
Fellow Knight Jon Bond of Algona manages the private Knights of Columbus Council #952 Facebook page to recruit the local KCs with the skills and equipment to match the help needed for the projects. When a request for help is made, Bond shares the request out to the council members.
 
“I connect the person in the Knights who can do the work with Dave,” Bond said of his role. “So far people are stepping up and providing the services (requested). It’s been very simple to enact this and engage it.”
 
The deacon pointed out that homeowners often encounter difficulties when trying to hire a contractor to complete smaller jobs. Those who are successful in connecting with a contractor receive a bid for the work may end up on a waiting list for many months before the job could be initiated, if at all.
 
“We have retired guys that say, ‘I have three hours today. I could trim this hedge,’ or whatever,” Deacon Penton said. “It works out really well.”
 
Many of those reaching out for help with the “odd jobs” are widows and elderly, the deacon explained. The Knights do not charge a fee for the Operation Handyman services.
 
“If we need to purchase some material, if they are able to pay for the material, we ask them to pay for that. We don’t charge for the work. We will take donations to help offset the different costs and materials we need,” the deacon explained. “But it’s just getting out there and doing the Knights’ work, the Lord’s work.”
 
In the first few weeks, the Knights helped with trimming bushes, tilling a summer garden, cutting down volunteer trees, clearing a dryer vent and adjusting a front door, among other small jobs.
 

Deacon Dave Penton 

Those providing the Operation Handyman services are of all ages, the two Knights said. In their council of over 50 members, they have Knights from high school age to senior citizens. Bond noted that some of the younger members recently volunteered to clean out a ditch for someone in need of their help. 
One Knight brought his high school daughter along to assist with an Operation Handyman task, Deacon Penton said.
 
“He said it was great – an incredible opportunity for them to be together and to be able to do some community service. And to be in contact with people they would not normally be in contact with,” he said.
 
However, there is some work the Operation Handyman volunteers cannot provide.
 
“If it’s something that has to meet a code, electrical, plumbing, etc., we don’t do that. We are not going to take on that liability. But we will help them find somebody to do it,” Deacon Penton stressed.
 
The response from those contacting the Knights for help with the handyman tasks around their homes has been “ecstatic” as it is difficult to find people to do the work.
 
“The first two jobs we did they called me back and said, this is great. We’ll pay you whatever. I just tell them to come to the pancake breakfast and make your donation. They are quite happy,” the deacon said.
 
With the positive response from volunteers and Algona area residents in need of handyman assistance, the Knights hope to see the Operation Handyman program expand into other areas of the large parish, such as the councils in Wesley, Bode and Bancroft.