Surrounding RedBird Art Studio artist, Brianna Allison are members of the Knights of Columbus, Steve Sudhoff, seated left, and Jerry Nelson, seated right; and standing, from left, are Dan Hampton and Chuck Whitcraft.

KOSCIUSKO — This Friday and Saturday the Knights of Columbus and nearly a hundred volunteers will be standing at intersections, street corners and storefronts throughout Warsaw, waving Tootsie Rolls and collecting donations for disability services in Kosciusko County.

The annual Tootsie Roll Drive has become a rite of spring that over the years has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars – approximately $500,000 since 1986 – all of it remaining in the community and donated to Special Olympics, Magical Meadows and Cardinal Services.

According to Knight Steve Sudhoff, the 2018 donation to Cardinal will go to their RedBird Art Studio. The studio recently celebrated its second anniversary and the program has experienced rapid growth, expanding from a single classroom into the former gym space in order to accommodate artists, work and exhibit space. All Cardinal clients may choose to spend time in the studio, and while there, are encouraged to choose their own form and expression of art.

Artist Brianna Allison, pictured above with Members of the Knights of Columbus is a RedBird artist who says the studio has led to unexpected opportunities for her. “I didn’t know I was an artist until I started going into RedBird. Now, I’m creating these cool paintings that people really like. I hope that folks who view my artwork will feel the happiness I feel when I am painting and creating.”

RedBird art may be viewed and purchased at Cardinal Services as well as at art shows, galleries and coffee shops throughout Kosciusko and Elkhart counties.

The 2018 Tootsie Roll Drive is this Friday, May 4 and Saturday, May 5.  Volunteers may still help sign up by calling Michelle Boxell at (574) 371-1387.