Every Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday on Springfield’s east side, you can witness the compassionate and giving face of Christ. That’s when volunteers with the St. Martin de Porres Center hand out food and clothing to dozens of individuals and families in need.

With that need ever growing, especially during the pandemic, Springfield witnessed another example of Christ’s face of love with more than $100,000 raised for the center during the All-City Food Drive last month. The money will go directly to the center to purchase food.

Teaming up with Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, the three Springfield public high schools, and The Sam Madonia Show on AM 1450, members of the Knights of Columbus Council 364 decided to have the food drive for St. Martin de Porres this year.

“We knew they were in need,” said Larry David who is a member of the Knights of Columbus. “They lost so many fundraisers due to COVID-19. The center feeds so many hungry people. There is so much hunger in Springfield, and the need has grown since the pandemic. Every week, they are out there taking care of people in need. The Knights of Columbus has four principles and one of them is charity. Members of the Knights show love for their neighbors and this food drive helps advance our charity work by taking care of our neighbors.”

This was the 14th year for the food drive, which is held in conjunction with the city basketball tournament. The tournament, however, was cancelled this year due to the pandemic.