Gilmanton Community Church purchases old Iron Works fire station building for food pantry

The Gilmanton Community Church Food Pantry is moving, expanding and adding a thrift shop. Through the generosity of the every supportive church family, the church has recently purchased the old fire station building located in the Iron Works on Rte. 140 and will be converting this historic building into the food pantry and gift shop.

"We are extremely blessed to be able to put into action the church's mission statement through this most wonderful and needed community outreach program," said Jane Sisti. "But there is much to be done before we can move our food pantry and open in the building with the addition of the thrift shop.

Sisti said there is much "sprucing up" to do in and around the building. There is general cleaning, painting, raking and brush clearing that needs to be done, as well as some small electrical work, carpentry/framing and tree removal. Also, due to the limited, basically nonexistent parking a the new building, the church needs to construct an elevated walkway between the structure and the existing church parking lot next door.

All of this work requires many helping hands, said Sisti, but it also requires funds, time and services. It is also the commitment of the Gilmanton Community Church Food Pantry committee to replenish the funds that the church "dipped" into for the purchase the building. These funds were the church's "rainy day" monies, set aside for special projects and the upkeep of church buildings and the fellowship house.

"So, we are asking for your help," added Sisti. "If you can give of your time, labor, materials or money to help us with the building renovations or with the walkway project, it would be greatly appreciated."

To do this, contact Sisti at 364-7437. Or, if you would like to help replenish the "rainy day" funds of the church, please mail your contribution, payable to the Gilmanton Community Church, to P. O. Box 6, Gilmanton Iron Works, NH 03837, or call the church office at 364-7891.

If you wish to make a donation of foods, funds or clothing to the pantry or thrift shop you may also do so by calling Sisti, Beth Lavin (267-1934), Sharon Barton (267-5934) or the church office. Checks may also be made out to the Gilmanton Community Church Food Pantry and mailed to same address listed above.