Frazer Pantry Looks to Raise $1M for New Building

The People's Pantry at Church Road, a nonprofit group in Frazer that provides food, school supplies and even holiday gifts to families in the Great Valley School District, has some big plans.

The pantry board is looking to replace the old volleyball court on the other side of the parking lot with a new, larger facility that will allow them to better serve the community

Kay Rowell, the pantry coordinator, said the pantry serves 2,353 people in more than 500 households, but the current building, constructed in the 1840s, is in need of serious repairs. She and the other volunteers are hoping to raise $1 million to move the organization out of its current housing, the manse at Covenant United Presbyterian Church in Frazer, and into a new facility better on the same property. So far, the organizers have raised about $8,000 toward construction.

What started 26 years ago as an effort to help five families at Christmas has grown into a much larger operation. Now, on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, people who need help—and can prove they live in the school district—can "shop" for free clothes and supplies.

A press release from the organization provides some background:

In 1984 a nurse from the Great Valley School District and a member of Covenant Church approached the church leadership with the idea to help families in the school district during the holiday season through a Christmas Family Giving Program.  In 1990, the program was expanded into a year around food program. Volunteers gave out pre-packaged bags of food to families in need.  The manse of the church, built in 1840 and adjacent to the church, was used as the distribution center for the program. Over the years, the program continued to expand and donations of food, clothing, household supplies and school supplies filled the building which was open to the community.

"We're limited by space, and the need is increasing," said Debbie Hausladen, who is helping with the fundraising effort. 

The People's Pantry, previously called the Deacon's Pantry, gained 501(c)3 nonprofit status on Jan. 1, 2012, so contributions are tax-deductible. For those looking to donate goods, a list of what is needed and not needed is available on the group's website.