Wednesday was a momentous day for the organizers, volunteers, clients and community members as it was the first day that the new location of the Greene County Action Resource Center was open.
It started with a blessing from the Chair of the Greene County Clergy Association, Pastor Paul Burrow of the Rippey United Methodist Church.
“Gracious and living God, we ask your blessing on this structure, on all who will serve within it, and all who will be served.”
Then the 70-by-50-foot building was opened to the 27 families that were served by 16 volunteers from 9:30 to 11:30am. Volunteer Hollie Roberts talked about how much more space the new facility has and the new way those who use the food pantry were allowed to “shop” for their food.
“The place we were before was adequate. This is such a better space and also we’re going to do things differently as I understand it. We’re going to let the recipients come through and actually pick some of the things they want themselves rather than us bagging things up. Before because it was such limited space we would bag things up ahead of time.”
Site Manager Diane Blackmer gave her reaction to how the first day went and how the new system provided for a more positive environment.
“I think it went incredibly smoothly. The volunteers enjoyed having the chance to interact with the clients. I think the clients found it a lot more welcoming when they could go through with a volunteer, have a chance to talk a little bit, get some assistance if they needed it. The whole process just went so well.”
Blackmer gave credit to Assistant Director Shirley Haupert for leading the project from its planning stages to opening day. Haupert described what getting the new facility open meant for her.
“This has been a dream that we’ve been working on for almost two years now and finally we were able to complete it. We’re glad to have this type of facility for the community. It’s not about us, it’s about helping the people.”
Blackmer adds since the food pantry got its start in 1991, it has grown from its meager beginnings of basements inside various churches, to the former McCoy paint building on Harrison Street, to where they are today at 1004 North Vine Street. In addition to food donations, the ARC accepts clothing, household and furniture items. Donations can be made anytime by calling Blackmer at 370-0650 or Haupert at 515-391-1025. The food pantry is open every Wednesday from 9:30 to 11:30am and donations can be made at that time.
Haupert notes that they still have to install a furnace, air-conditioning unit, put in a concrete parking lot, replace the exterior siding and paint the roof and parts of the exterior of the building. She adds that donations are still needed for the exterior repairs. Checks can be made payable to the Greene County ARC and dropped off at their new location.
A public open house will be scheduled at a later date.
