As he heads into the Thanksgiving holiday, Annunciation Conference President Patrick Hardman cannot help but feel anything but gratitude when he looks at the new SVdP food pantry that’s been built in Brazil, Indiana.
“I am just praising all the people who are working with me on this pantry,” Patrick says. “I have the best VP, treasurer and secretary. We’re like family, all working together, striving to do all we can to serve those in need in our community.”
After years of operating the food pantry out of the basement of Annunciation Catholic Church, Patrick and others began to pursue their own space—one that was larger, more flexible and had room for growth. When the building is complete, they’ll move to 1,900 square feet—tripling the space, eliminating the up-and-down of stairs and, most importantly, allowing the Conference to accommodate and serve more people, especially when the Conference is ready to go back to in-person client shopping.
This expansion is essential to the Conference’s long-term ability to meet the needs of its neighbors in Clay County—one of the poorest counties in the state. And, Patrick says, they’re seeing those needs increase. The Conference now provides food to 65-70 families per week.
Partner & Donor Gifts
Transforming the vision into reality took a lot of people. It started with a partnership with the local Knights of Columbus, who gifted the property to SVdP. With a location secure, the Annunciation Conference began applying for grants and raising funds. To date, they’ve received grants from the Wabash Valley Community Foundation, Annunciation Catholic Church and SVdP Indianapolis Council. Additionally, an anonymous donor made a sizeable donation.
Inside Work Continues
The outside of the building is complete. Efforts are now focused on the inside, which is about 50 percent complete. Air and heating have been installed, with plumbing and electrical yet to do. Plus, equipment still needs purchased for the kitchen, bathroom and office.
Additional funds are needed, so if you’re interested in supporting the pantry, there are two ways you can donate:
- Give online via Go Fund Me
- Mail check to:
Annunciation Catholic Church – SVdP
19 N. Alabama
Brazil, IN 47834
“No gift is too small,” says Patrick. “Every dollar helps us help our neighbors.”
The Conference hopes to open the new food pantry in early 2022.
