The Stuart Cottage Pantry continues to assist local families in need as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday.  In fact, if the month of October was any indication, the pantry is on track to have some its most giving months on record as we close out 2013.

143 families totaling 413 individuals were served last month.  This includes six home deliveries.  The pantry assisted over 100 people more in October than it did in September.

Director Marlis Beeler says 149 hours of volunteer time was given by local residents to help the pantry with their efforts in October.

The pantry continues to have trouble getting select items at the Iowa Food Bank in Des Moines, and they could use a few things in particular.  Those items include sugar, flour, jam and jelly, peanut butter, bar and dish soap and shampoo.

Beeler says the pantry is grateful for being the recipient of recent charitable events and food drives.  The pantry has received additional food this month from Stuart’s Fall Vender Blender, Raccoon Valley Radio’s Caring Christmas Food Drive and a few hundred items from Stuart Elementary as a result of its food drive.

Beeler adds that the pantry always welcomes any assistance from the local community, especially during the holiday season.  Anyone interested in donating food or volunteering at the pantry can contact Beeler at 515-523-1301.