The season of giving is alive and well in Stuart and the West Central Valley School District. The Cottage Food Pantry, which benefits Stuart residents and families living in WCV communities, received a donation from All Saints Catholic Church’s Knights of Columbus chapter. Council 1961 Treasurer Mark Tisl presented the nearly $600 check to volunteer Shirley Jones, Wednesday.

Jones explains the importance of receiving the donation, especially during the holiday season. “All of the communities have been so supportive of our food pantry, it’s just been a blessing.”

Tisl also touched on how his involvement in the Knights has impacted his desire to give back to the community. “Having lived in this area my whole life, it means a lot that we’re able to help the people that maybe aren’t as fortunate and (that) they have a place to go if they need food. I think it speaks volumes of what we’ve been able to do the last couple years for the pantry, in making our donations to them.”

The pantry will use the donation to exclusively purchase more food. At this particular time, the pantry is in need of soup, particularly chicken noodle, as well as instant potatoes. The pantry is open Wednesdays from 1:30-5pm.