Contact: Andrew Walther, Knights of Columbus, 203-824-5412, andrew.walther@kofc.org

NEW HAVEN, Conn., May 21, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- Following a devastating tornado in suburban Oklahoma City, Okla., the Knights of Columbus has initiated local disaster response efforts to help those affected.

The Knights of Columbus Oklahoma State Council has begun organizing relief efforts in and around Moore, Okla., to assist those displaced or otherwise negatively impacted by the storm. In addition, the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council sent an initial donation of $10,000 in support of the Oklahoma Knights' response.

As it did following Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy, and the explosion in West, Texas, the K of C is accepting online donations to assist relief and recovery through Knights of Columbus Charities, Inc., at kofc.org/relief.

Donations may also be mailed to:

Knights of Columbus Charities, Inc.
Oklahoma Fund
P.O. Box 1966
New Haven, CT 06509-1966

One hundred percent of all donations collected by Knights of Columbus Charities, Inc. will be sent to those affected by the disaster. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Knights of Columbus Charities, Inc., is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a charitable organization under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and the damage caused by the tornadoes in Oklahoma," said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. "We will work with our state and local councils to help the people of Oklahoma recover from this disaster, and we ask all members of the Knights of Columbus to keep those affected in their prayers."

With more than 1.8 million members worldwide, the Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic fraternal organization and one of the nation's most active charitable organizations. Last year, Knights donated more than $158 million and 70 million hours to charitable causes.