Starting in 2022, the Perry Food Pantry will operate out of new quarters located just east of their current location, and they are busy remodeling one of the former independent-living apartments that face Willis Avenue in order to serve as the new site for the local food resource.
The pantry moved into the old Masonic home at 3000 Willis Ave. in December 2017 and has grown to engage some 50 volunteers under the leadership of Site Director Louis Hoger and Volunteer Coordinator Lois Hoger. It will now be located at 1300 28th St.
A concrete pad is being poured for additional parking space at the new pantry home, and the sidewalk will be widened to make it comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act,
Extensive demolition is preceding the remodeling, including removing walls, replacing insulation, reconfigured electrical and plumbing and much more.
“This is a good start to a much better food pantry for our community,” said Louis Hoger.
“Our awesome volunteers have been very patient and are all excited when this is completed,” said Lois Hoger. “God has blessed this ministry in so many ways.”
Pantry volunteers perform a myriad of behind-the-scenes duties that keep the operation running smoothly, from picking up stock at the Food Bank of Iowa to loading and unloading the commodities, stocking the shelves, keeping records on computer, clerking, coordinating customers, working with clients in the store and general cleanup and maintenance.
The mission of the Perry Food Pantry, also known as Perry Emergency Food Council, “is to provide food assistance for persons in immediate need in and around the community of Perry,” according to the pantry’s Facebook page.
The current board of directors includes President Tim Farmer, Treasurer Carol Johnson, Secretary Sarah Cerwinske and directors Norm Adamson, Jeffrey Fuentes, Brenda Golay, Steve Golay, Rosa Gonzalez, Margaret Harden, Gus Henrici and Myrna Smith.
Volunteers might be the heart of the pantry, but donations are the lifeblood. Supporters may donate online or send checks to the Perry Food Pantry, P.O. Box 156, Perry, IA 50220. For more information or to volunteer, call 515-570-2975 or write perryiafoodpantry@gmail.com.
