HOLLY POND — A free food pantry in Holly Pond has received tremendous community support since its recent completion according to officials with the town.

Mayor Carla Hart said while the town had previously agreed to purchase the materials needed to construct the pantry, members of the local Lion’s Club donated all the materials  —  apart from a few bags of ready-mix concrete — and labor during the town’s council meeting Monday, Dec. 2.

Hart said the community has already banded together to stock the pantry with a surplus on nonperishable food items just in time for the holiday season.

“It’s been so well stocked that they have been having to take food and store it because there has been such an abundance brought, which is a blessing this time of year,” Hart said.

The food pantry, located next to a similar “little, free library” in the town hall parking lot on Hwy. 278, will be on full display for those attending the town’s annual Christmas celebration this Saturday, Dec. 7, in nearby Governor’s Park.

The event will take place between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Hart also reported that she had received the finalized plans for a bathroom facility planned to be constructed in Governor’s Park. She said one contractor had offered an unofficial, preliminary estimate of less than $100,000 to complete the facility which would allow the town to forego the standardized bidding process typically associated with capital improvement projects.

The council approved for Hart to enter an agreement with a contractor to begin the construction process if an official estimate of less than $100,000 is provided.

Hart said she had received interest in the project from a handful of companies and individuals, but does not plan on entering an agreement with any contractors until the specifications for the project are laid out in writing.

In other business the town:

— Renewed its annual People Against a Littered State membership for $100.

— Approved a one-time pay adjustment of $250 for the town’s employees.

— Adopted its annual transportation plan as required by the 2019 Rebuild Alabama Act.

— Approved a rental agreement with Dixieland Wireless, which will rent a small building and tower for wireless internet.

— Approved to transfer the title of a 1994 fire truck to the Holly Pond Fire Department.