Even though more people are visiting and inflation continues to increase costs, Caritas of Beloit is looking back on a successful holiday season.

Director Max Dodson says they held a toy drive this month, and over 200 kids were able to come into Caritas and select a toy while also getting to visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

Dodson says the food pantry has also had a lot of success with food donations during the final push of the year, and in December alone individuals, civic organizations, churches, and others donated more than 5,000 pounds in food.

Dodson says there has been an almost 50% increase in number of visits to Caritas from January of 2022 until this past November.