Students in need at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Storm Lake will have greater access to food and hygiene supplies following a $2,000 donation from the Knights of Columbus Council 2326.
The donation was presented to St. Mary’s Catholic Schools through the Knights’ Cans for a Cause grant program, which raises money by collecting and processing redeemable cans and bottles donated by community members.
The funds will help stock The Panther Pantry, a new school-based food pantry at St. Mary’s that provides nonperishable food and hygiene items to students and families.
The pantry is funded in part through a philanthropic gift from the Taylor Family Farms Foundation. Matching funds have also been provided by An Angel’s Touch, the St. Mary’s Guild, the Knights of Columbus and private donors.
Amy Halder, the program facilitator and PK-12 student and family advocate at St. Mary’s, said the donations have made it possible to establish the pantry in response to food insecurity needs in the community.
Halder also credited senior student Jessa Fetrow with helping make the pantry a reality. The school hopes to continue the program through student leadership and community support.
Community members interested in supporting the Panther Pantry can contact Halder at 712-732-4166 or ahalder@stormlakestmarys.org.
The Knights of Columbus are also encouraging residents to continue donating redeemable cans and bottles to support the Cans for a Cause program. Storm Lake collection cages are located in the Hy-Vee and Fareway parking lots and across from Sunrise Pointe Golf Course near Laven’s Northwest Monuments.
Organizations interested in learning more about the Knights’ community grant program can email kccansforacause@gmail.com.
