Open day for Pantry Club

Hope Church's Pantry Club will celebrate its expansion with an open day celebration from 10am on Friday, February 10, at Hope Church in Umina.

The Pantry Club started in July 2009 and provided relief for financially stressed individuals and families of the Gosford Shire and in particular the Peninsula.

So far the club has helped hundreds of members with groceries, bread, fresh fruit and vegetables.

Members of the club also receive morning tea in a cafe-style environment, cooking demonstrations, money saving tips and simple budgeting advice.

"The expansion of the Pantry Club will now be able to help even more individuals and families who have been on a waiting list," said media liaison Ms Sue Wilson.

"Members not only appreciate the grocery support but love the friendship that has formed amongst the members and volunteers."

Ms Wilson said that one of the members recently reported that they now had a reason to get out of bed and that it was the highlight of their week.

The Pantry Club relies on donations from individuals and the business community to keep the community service going.

The Pantry Club is open from 10am until 1pm every Friday during school terms.

Email, 25 Jan 2012 Sue Wilson, Hope Chuch Photo: Naomi Bridges