NEWTOWN, Conn. (AP) The Knights of Columbus has created a new award to recognize extraordinary works of charity and service, conferring it on a pastor who helped Newtown after December's school shooting.

Supreme Knight Carl Anderson conferred the awards Tuesday night on Monsignor Robert Weiss of St. Rose of Lima in Newtown and to St. Virgilius Knights of Columbus Council 185 at St. Rose.

Anderson, who called Weiss heroic, said the organization will provide $100,000 to the parish for programs to help those suffering from the tragedy.

Caroline Previdi, one of the children killed, had been saving money to help in the council's annual Christmas toy drive for children in need. Council members raised more than $70,000 for toys in her memory.