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Father Arlon Vergara, Jenny Daniels, Dr. Bob Allen and Charlie Vassar represent $1,000 the Knights of Columbus at the Church of the Transfiguration has donated to The Christian-Free Clinic of Botetourt

The Knights of Columbus at the Church of Transfiguration in Fincastle has donated $1,000 this year to the Christian Free Clinic and also $500 to Joshua Frate, a Troutville toddler, who under went a bone marrow transplant. Charlie Vassar and Father Arlon Vergara from the Knights of Columbus presented the funds to the Executive Director of the Free Clinic, Jenny Daniels and Medical Director Dr. Bob Allen.

The Knights of Columbus holds an annual pancake breakfast in February to raise monies for community projects. Said Vassar, “We believe the Christian Free Clinic is one of the best things to happen in this area.” "

The congregation for the only Catholic church in Botetourt County began in 1989. "And so did the Knights of Columbus organization at this particular place,” said Vassar.

Daniels said in the 20 months of operation, the clinic has served 310 patients who otherwise have no medical insurance or way to get medical care, a total of 1,299 visits to the clinic and filled 2,106 prescriptions. Allen said that prescriptions are by far the most expensive item and come through the Downhome Pharmacy. They have 47 health care workers and 58 community volunteers. The clinic is open every Tuesday at 5:30 at Fincastle Baptist Church in the basement level.

The Clinic is hoping soon to have a dental trailer in place and has two dentists lined up. But as Allen said, “We will announce that soon when it is ready.” The Knights of Columbus plan to keep the annual funding to the Christian Free Clinic in their fundraising goals.