Joanne Williams
Editor

(Joanne Williams/TCJ – Cindy Hales (left) of the Capital Region Community Foundation spoke at the ceremony along with Helping Hands Executive Director Amanda Thompson.)

Helping Hands Food Pantry does what it says and so much more.

This was apparent at a March 14 ceremony to announce the progress on the non-profit’s $428,000 expansion.

More than 70 people gathered to hear about the progress and the tasks ahead to complete a project that will enlarge its current Jefferson Street building, as its numbers of neighbors in need expands as well.

“Our purpose may be simple but powerful,” said Executive Director Amanda Thompson at the 45-minute event held at the pantry. “…to nourish individuals and families with everyday necessities, offer connections to supportive organizations and uplift people so they can rise about the challenges they face.”

She emphasized that the 60×52 foot expansion will offer expanded space and storage for more items, as well as parking and access.

The event had a festive atmosphere, opening with prayer, and then speeches, with the smell of popcorn and the lure of cookies and other treats. Many in the crowd were volunteers (wearing signature Helping Hands orange T-shirts), board members, and area contractors, who were especially introduced and thanked for their work already started and to come.

Also recognized was Cindy Hales, vice president of Community Investments with the Capital Region Community Foundation, who also offered words of encouragement and praise to the project. “Thank you, to this sea of orange, to the community – nothing happens without you all here, you should be incredibly proud.”

Eaton County Commissioner Scott Hansen was there, among other officials. “I have often donated,” he said. “They’ve got a great ministry in providing for the needs of the community. I am here to celebrate.”

“I am happy we have the support. The need has grown so much,” said Phil Grimwood, food resource manager and former executive director of Helping Hands. “This is a unique organization any way you look at it,” he said. “The only qualification for service is to have a need.”

Volunteer Claudia Williams is from Olivet High School. “I really like helping people.” She said it made her realize that all people do not have what she has. She and her mother, Julie, began volunteering last summer.  “It’s like a family,” Julie said.

Husband and wife Doug and Kim Kalnbach of Nashville are also supporters, especially through ABATE (American Bikers Aiming Towards Education) of Michigan. “The bikers do two food drives in the fall and raise money during the whole year,” he said. 

“This building may be made of concrete, steel and wood…but the true foundation of Helping Hands Food Pantry has always been people, people who believe that compassion should be lived out, not just talked about,” Thompson said at the ceremony’s end.

Praise for the expansion continued, singling out architect Josh Saxbee and contractor Dan Johnson and All Call Restoration, as well as M.T. Door Services and Gould Excavation of Eaton Rapids, Hometown Plumbing of Hastings, Hometown Lumber of Nashville and Sparks Heating, Ewing Electric and Gale Briggs concrete of Charlotte. Freezer and refrigeration work will be done by Michigan Food Servicer of Lansing and Parry Brothers of Holt.

Pastor Daniel Longden of First Lutheran Church, and a Helping Hands board member, concluded the ceremony with a prayer, acknowledging the needs of the community and remembering that there are sacrifices in servicing our neighbors.

Grimwood nodded and said the future was indeed “bittersweet. They just keep coming,” he said. The need is still and always there.

Helping Hands expanding hope by the numbers:

44 year of Helping Hands

4 locations

Occupied current location, 621 Jefferson St., Charlotte, in 2018

70-80 volunteers; teams of 12-15 each open day

$428,000 estimated expansion project

$150,000 grant from Capital Area Region Community Foundation

$100,000 anonymous gift

$50,000 Granger Foundation grant

-$93,000 balance

FamiliesHelped (2025)

1 million pounds of food/personal care items

-739,000 meals

-8,900 households

-30,000 people

712 brand new families helped last year

*Information provided by Amanda Thompson, executive director and Phil Grimwood, food resource manager.