Center Harbor Food Pantry is just too important for us to lose

To The Daily Sun,

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am writing today to pass along some information about a local necessity that is in jeopardy of shutting its doors. The Center Harbor Food Pantry has served over 400 families a month for close to 18 years. It was recently brought to my attention that after decades of service, the pantry will close its doors unless it can come up with close to $90,000 to repay loans taken to stop the auction of the property a year ago.

Pastor Bob, still very active at the young age of 76, has worked tirelessly to provide this service and has dealt with more than his fair share of roadblocks. The services provided by the food pantry go beyond simply food on the table, though that itself is something we all take for granted. Pastor Bob has helped people to receive basic toiletries, clothing, and furniture, and does so free of charge.

I have volunteered with the Center Harbor Food Pantry for about a year now. It can't be explained as to how important this pantry is to the Lakes Region and if it were to cease how many families will be looking to other already overloaded food pantries further away. What we need is money. What we really need are ideas to save this diamond in the rough so that those affected by this economy can find the supplies they need to continue on.

New Hampshire takes care of its own. We need you, your donations, your ideas to keep the Center Harbor Food Pantry going along.

State Rep. Glen Aldrich

Gilford & Meredith