Month: March 2025

The Heidemans: Hope Center Pantry Volunteers on the Go

Joan Koehne
Hope Center Pantry volunteers Charlie and Ann Heideman

Charlie and Ann Heideman have been pantry volunteers at Hope Center Pantry since it opened at its present location at 505 Clinton St., Green Bay. They are members of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Parish, Green Bay. The Heidemans have three children, five grandchildren, and were recently blessed with a great-grandchild. They are fortunate that the whole family lives in the area, with the exception of one grandson who lives in Indiana. Charlie and Ann enjoy getting together for family events and going to the grandkids’ school activities.

Volunteering for Green Bay Nonprofits

Charlie worked for Wisconsin Public Service for 36 years in engineering and managerial roles. Volunteering is an important part of the Heidemans’ lives. They served in different capacities at The Salvation Army, American Red Cross, ASPIRO, Jaycees, St. John’s Homeless Shelter, NEW Community Shelter and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish.

Traveling, Hiking & Enjoying Retirement

After retiring in 1999, they had time to travel with their truck camper. One of their favorite trips is a three-month trip to Alaska, with stops at many places on the way. Another favorite trip is a trip to the Grand Canyon which included hikes into the Canyon with overnight tenting. The longest hike was across the Canyon. They spent four days hiking and three nights tenting.

Pantry Volunteers Build Cabin on the Lake

Retirement also allowed them time to build a new cottage on Half Moon Lake in Oconto County. The cottage project lasted about 10 years. After having a shell built to replace the existing cottage, Charlie and Ann worked on all of the inside and outside finishing. They even built cabinets, with the help of a woodworking class at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. Charlie and Ann say they are truly blessed and grateful for all of their blessings.

Contact Hope Center Pantry to Volunteer

Are you ready to join Charlie, Ann, and the other pantry volunteers who are feeding the hungry of Green Bay, Wisconsin? Contact us today to learn about the volunteer opportunities available at Hope Center Pantry.

CP Center, Green Bay: Food Drive & Pantry Tour

Joan Koehne
CP Center, Green Bay tours Hope Center Pantry

The Cerebral Palsy Center’s Life Skills class organized a food drive for Hope Center Pantry in February. The class donated 23 bags of food and 10 huge boxes of paper products and personal hygiene items for Pantry clients. All of the donations will help those in need in the Green Bay community.

Students from the CP Center Life Skills class delivered their donations to the Pantry in person on March 3. They toured the Pantry and learned what’s involved in running the Pantry and serving clients. They were all so attentive and respectful during the tour. Afterwards, they helped unpack and sort some of their donations.

This was truly a great experience for all involved. Their caring and compassion makes a positive impact, and we are incredibly thankful for their generosity. Together, we are creating positive change and making a real difference!

Student Learns Social Justice Through Community Service

Joan Koehne
Student volunteer earning community service hours at Hope Center Pantry

Hope Center Pantry is always eager to help students fulfill their Community Service hours for school. Recently, a sophomore at Notre Dame Academy volunteered at the pantry. Brianna needed four hours of volunteering for her social justice community service requirement. She was able to help out at the Pantry doing a little of everything. She stocked shelves, packed client boxes, made chili packs and delivered orders to clients.

Brianna witnessed social justice issues firsthand. She saw the good that comes from Hope Center Pantry serving those in need in Brown County.

Hope Center Pantry is always willing to help youth in our area fulfill their community service requirements. Contact us to schedule volunteer hours.