By Genine Hopkins
The Gathering Church will no longer be in Hayes Township and the Food Pantry associated with the Gathering Church is searching for a new home. Both are results of the land owner of the current location, next to Steve’s Country Market, selling the property and a new owner taking possession. The pantry director and volunteers are reaching out to the community in hope of having a new home located prior to its closure.
The food pantry that has been sponsored by The Gathering Church has been a long-time partner with Clare County in providing badly needed food commodities to residents in need. Once located next to Michigan Works, the move to their current home now leaves them vulnerable.
In 2011, the Gathering partnered with Together We Can Health Improvement Committee volunteers including former Michigan DHHS Community Outreach Coordinator Gretchen Wilbur and in fact, myself, with several other volunteers, to begin the monthly food distribution that occurs the first Saturday of each month. Originally, prior to the pandemic, the distribution took place with clients signing up and receiving a number of their line location, but since the pandemic, it has been a drive thru distribution. Still, it was no small feat to not only serve as fiduciary for grants but also to help out with numerous volunteers over five years.
It is hoped that the pantry will find a new home – the Clare Methodist Church has offered but many on the board would prefer to keep the pantry located in the Harrison area since transportation is often a hurdle.
