The more than 17,000 member of the Knights of Columbus in Washington state and their volunteer partners will conduct the second annual Tootsie Roll Drive in communities across the state to raise funds to help people with disabilities.

The drive will be held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Columbus Day weekend, Oct. 5-7. Knights of Columbus members will be at various retail locations throughout the community soliciting donations. Eighty percent of what is raised in the community is put toward the community.

Nationally, this program has been in existence since 1970, with 47 states participating this year. In Washington, the program is operated by the Knights under “Columbus Charities,” a 501(c)(3) corporation.

Last year, over $60,000 was raised through 35 participating councils across the state. This resulted in 25 different local organizations benefitting from their efforts, and more than $10,000 was donated to the Columbus Charities Special Olympics Summer and Winter Games program.

Knights of Columbus volunteers will easily be visible because of the bright yellow aprons they will be wearing.