To the Editor:

Please help us stock our shelves!

After an extensive renovation project at the Thompson’s Lake Reformed Church hall, Gathering Hope Food Pantry (A Food Pantry for the Hilltowns) is planning to open its doors in October.

Gathering Hope Food Pantry is a collaborative effort between the Helderberg Family and Community Organization and the Knox and Thompson’s Lake Reformed Church. The food pantry is located in the former Thompson’s Lake Reformed Church Hall, 1212 Thacher Park Road, East Berne, NY, 12059.

We would like to thank all the community members, contractors, Home Depot, and Glidden paints, who devoted many hours, materials, expertise, and monetary donations to support the renovation project. Thank you also to the Berne-Knox-Westerlo National Honor Societies for their generous donation of nonperishable foods to help us stock our shelves.

To help support our opening next month, we are holding a food drive on Oct. 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donations of nonperishable food items may be dropped off at the Gathering Hope Food Pantry or during the month of October at Altamont Country Values (also known as Agway at 106 Prospect Terrace, Altamont NY 12009) during normal business hours.

Monetary donations are also welcome and very helpful as they will be used to purchase food items from the Regional Food Bank at greatly reduced prices. If you prefer to make a monetary donation, please make your check out to HFCO and mail to HFCO, Post Office Box 115, Knox, NY, 12107. Please mark “Gathering Hope” on the memo line.

If you are interested in volunteering, finding out ways to support us, and/or for more information regarding the Gathering Hope Food Pantry please visit our website, gatheringhopefoodpantry.org or call/text me, Maryellen Gillis, at 518-925-3227.

Thank you for your support. Every donation makes a difference in the lives of our neighbors.

Maryellen Gillis

Helderberg Family and Community Organization