Forty years ago, a group of volunteers from St. Gabriel Parish in Concord Township wanted to help neighbors in need by establishing a food pantry. In its early years, the pantry operated from a closet.
Today, the St. Gabriel Food Pantry is a lifeline that serves about 20,000 guests each year in Lake County. It is a choice pantry located on the parish grounds that allows clients to select the items they need. The approximately 130 weekly volunteers and other partners take care to ensure that clients are treated with dignity and respect.
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The pantry celebrated its success Aug. 17 with an open house and a pancake breakfast to thank the parishioners, volunteers and community partners who have supported its mission for the past four decades.
“This milestone not only commemorates our history, but also pays tribute to the community partnerships, volunteers and supporters whose vision and contributions over the years enable us to fulfill our mission,” said Allison Capella, pantry director.
Pam Lewis, who has served as the pantry’s operations manager for 19 years, said she was proud of the outreach they share with neighbors who experienced food insecurity. “We continue to look for ways we can be of assistance going forward,” she added.
In May, the pantry was recognized by the Catholic Commission for Lake, Geauga and Eastern Cuyahoga Counties with the Bishop Edward Pevec Sower of Justice Award. Paul Lewis, who spoke on behalf of the pantry at the awards presentation, credited the volunteers and community partners for the pantry’s success. “Our vision is to be a beacon of God’s love providing nourishment and his love. I wish I could say we aren’t busy, but we are,” he added.
The celebration included a 50/50 raffle to benefit the pantry. Guests also could make a $40 donation in honor of the anniversary.
Father Joshua Trefney, St. Gabriel Parish administrator, also offered his thanks to the many volunteers whose efforts made the pantry a success. “I cannot say thank you enough,” he said.
Click here to learn more about the pantry.