The Ladies of Charity Calvert County: A Journey to a New Food Pantry Home

The Ladies of Charity Calvert County are making significant strides this holiday season. Their efforts to establish a new home for their food pantry in North Beach, Maryland, are truly inspiring. With a rich history dating back to 1968, this nonprofit organization has been dedicated to serving those in need with compassion and humility.

Empowering the Community through Food Pantry Initiatives

Recognizing the Need

In August 2021, the food pantry manager, Barbara Glover, noticed a concerning issue - the floor of the main storage area was separating from the walls. This discovery led to a series of actions as the organization called in reinforcements. They began the challenging task of planning and funding a new building while ensuring the continuous provision of food assistance to their growing list of clients.

It was a critical moment that required quick thinking and resourcefulness. The ladies of the organization showed great determination in facing this unexpected challenge.

Finding Solutions

Clark Construction promptly came to the rescue by donating a trailer to house essential refrigerators, freezers, and shelving units. This immediate support allowed them to keep the food pantry operational during the rebuild process. Soon after, the LOCCC purchased a second shipping container and utilized an existing shed. Additionally, they received a generous donation of 38,000 pounds of canned goods from the Church of Latter Day Saints, which led to renting a climate-controlled storage unit nearby. These measures enabled them to serve the community effectively amidst the chaos.

The ladies' ability to adapt and find solutions in difficult times is truly remarkable.

Securing Support

The Ladies of Charity Calvert County received strong backing from state and local leaders, the community, and local businesses and nonprofit organizations. This support was crucial in securing $1,040,000 in government grants for the new building. Along with thousands more from donations and fundraising events, they were able to move forward with confidence.

The collective effort of the community in supporting this cause is a testament to the power of unity.

The Groundbreaking and Beyond

The groundbreaking for the new food pantry took place on Nov. 14, 2024, with a great turnout and excitement. Construction of the new building began on Nov. 18, 2024, and it is set to be operational in 2025. This long journey has been marked by the power of prayer, community spirit, and careful planning as they overcame significant challenges.

The ladies' perseverance and dedication are evident in every step of this process.

For more information on the Ladies of Charity Calvert County and their ongoing efforts, please visit https://ladiesofcharitycalvertcounty.org. You can also contact our news desk at [email protected].