Deb Malewski
Contributing Writer

(Deb Malewski/FAN: The new Hearts and Hands pantry was community-supported and now rests in Hamlin Township.)

Last October, Eaton Rapids Heart and Hands (ERHH) food pantry received unexpected and devastating news: it would need to find a new location. 

Since 1981, ERHH has provided food and basic hygiene items to those in need within the Eaton Rapids School District. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit is supported by donations from individuals, churches, businesses, community organizations, and foundations such as the Greater Lansing Food Bank and Meijer Simply Give.

Becky Ridler, now in her sixth year as director, works alongside an active board and about 20 dedicated volunteers. Their mission is to serve neighbors facing food insecurity.

In response to the sudden need to relocate, the group moved quickly. They operated temporarily out of Hamlin Township Hall for two months, ensuring services continued. In early January, ERHH opened its new facility at 8287 E. Spicerville Highway in Hamlin Township.

The move was made possible through remarkable community support. Generous donors provided interest-free loans to purchase property and construct the new pantry. ERHH has since launched a capital campaign to repay those contributions. Additional donations helped keep costs down, including electrical and plumbing work, as well as gravel and equipment for the parking area.

On April 24, in recognition of Arbor Day, volunteers planted 34 donated evergreen trees through an arrangement with the Eaton County Conservation District.

“We received so much help from the community to keep our costs minimal,” Ridler said. “We only owe for the building, about $160,000, and we hope to be debt-free by next year.” Plans are also underway to install solar power at the facility.

ERHH Board President Phil Bombrys, who is also the Hamlin Township supervisor, praised the community’s response.

“We have a great group of volunteers,” Bombrys said. “People were tripping over each other to help out. It definitely renews your faith in humanity.”

For longtime ERHH volunteer Beca Brooks, the transition feels meaningful. “We always wanted a space of our own,” she said. “This situation forced us to act quickly, even without the money. In the end, it was a blessing.”

The organization’s first major fundraiser in support of the new facility will be a rummage sale, bake sale, and silent auction, held May 22 and 23 at First United Methodist Church (FUMER), 600 South Main St., in Eaton Rapids. Donations for the sale will be accepted at the church 9 a.m. Monday, May 8, through noon on Thursday, May 21.

Eaton Rapids Heart and Hands is open Tuesdays from 4 to 6 p.m., and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, call 517-663-7104 or email heartandhandsinc@gmail.com.