GORHAM — Maureen Hackett has a vision to feed the hungry.
It was that vision that resulted in the creation of the Gorham United Methodist Church Food Pantry, which opened its doors on Aug. 15 in a lower level room of the church on South Street.
“If you’re hungry, we want to feed you,” said Hackett, a retired medical secretary and Gorham resident.
The pantry was a way for Hackett to give back and she has been its driving force, even making her own contributions to get the pantry up and running.
Since opening, Hackett said people have come from locations throughout Ontario County for items, including Gorham, Canandaigua and Geneva.
This past Saturday afternoon, 25 families from throughout Ontario County received full Thanksgiving meals at the pantry. Each received a turkey donated by the Gorham Rotary Club, as well as gravy, stuffing, sweet potatoes or yams, fruit, a vegetable, bread, and a pie.
The pantry relies on donations of non-perishable food items and toiletries, and Hackett is appreciative of all who have given.
“We need money and food constantly to keep the shelves full,” Hackett said.
The community has stepped up. Those who have donated include local businesses, service organizations and individuals from around the county, she noted.
Shelves were recently filled with items such as canned fruits and vegetables, pastas, cereal, and soups. There was a refrigerator stocked with milk, yogurt, fresh fruit and 30 dozen eggs. Another section of the room contained toiletries from toothpaste to shampoo.
There is also a sign-up sheet for those who would like to attend an upcoming Breakfast with Santa at the church.
Pastor Sunny Mauser said helping people in need is part of God’s mission.
“Instead of hating, we should be showing love,” Mauser said. “Feeding those who are hungry is one of the best ways to show that love.”
The church has had a caring shelf stocked with food for those in need, so it made sense to expand that and donate space for the food pantry.
Hackett said the pantry is growing at a steady pace. It is seeing an increase in its supply weekly and is in the final stages of becoming a Foodlink member agency, which will allow Hackett to receive low-cost and free items.
Hugh Howard, a volunteer at the food pantry, said donating his time is a way for him to help others.
“There are so many people in need,” Howard said, noting the pantry would not be in existence if it weren’t for Hackett’s efforts. “She has gone above and beyond the call of duty.”
The pantry’s current hours are from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays. It is open to all Ontario County residents in need.
Donations are accepted at the church, located at 4746 South St. in Gorham, or monetary donations can be mailed to Gorham United Methodist Church Food Pantry, 4744 South St., Stanley, NY 14561.
For pick-up information or to inquire about volunteering, call 585-526-5223 or 585-526-8041.
