Thanks to the Knights of Columbus

Our Lady's Pantry has been instrumental in providing some measure of food relief for our neighbors since 1999.  Few people know, however, that the Knights of Columbus have been the backbone of Pantry operations all those years.

A Catholic philanthropic organization, the Knights are dedicated to providing charitable services to their community.  Locally, they have provided thousands of man hours of voluntary service to Our Lady's Pantry.

Don Mangers, Knights of Columbus, is handing an additional check to Tom, to support the Pantry.

According to co-director of the Pantry, Tom Bullaro, the Knights are literally the hands behind the monthly collections held at Prince of Peace and Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission Churches for one thing.

This past year, these Project Hunger collections amounted to a stunning $44,000, says Bullaro.  These generous donations from parishioners have gone a very long way towards ensuring that the hungry among us have food for their tables week after week.

The Knights also drive the Pantry truck to and from Tampa twice a week to haul groceries to the Pantry.  Many also work on-site helping to stock shelves and distribute food.  And most of the directors of the Pantry since 1999 — including Bullaro — have been members of the Knights.

“Our Lady's Pantry has been blessed by countless energetic volunteers from across this community and even beyond,” says Bullaro.  “That said, were it not for the compassionate and tireless efforts of the Knights of Columbus, we would not be able to serve our community to the same extent as we do at this time.

“We want to recognize their service and thank each one of them for their ongoing dedication year after year.”