Blog

Transform Lives: Volunteer Leaders Needed for Food Pantry

Joan Koehne
Volunteer Director Chris Clemens at Hope Center Pantry

A Green Bay food pantry is urgently seeking volunteers to lead the pantry into the future. Hope Center Pantry, a collaboration of seven Catholic parishes on Green Bay’s west side, feeds about 500 families a month. That’s totally doable for the pantry which started out as St. Patrick’s Food Pantry nearly 30 years ago. Hope Center Pantry, 505 Clinton St., is open from 1-3pm Monday through Thursday.

Christian Service to Others

Pantry Directors Janice and Chris Clemens said Hope Center Pantry provides quality food in a humble, Christian way.

“Serving others is a direct response to our faith. We see Christ present in the hungry,” Janice said.
She said pantry recipients are so appreciative of the food they receive and the manner in which it’s given.
“We give them something to eat, with dignity, in a good, loving environment,” she said. “When they come to the pantry, they’re welcomed. We try to build them up in the short time we have them there.”

Seeking Volunteer Leaders for 2025

To continue to do its vital work in the community, the pantry is seeking new volunteers to guide it forward. Chris and Janice will step down in May 2025, so the pantry is reorganizing and preparing for the future. Recently, the pantry’s succession-planning board divided the director duties into nine positions and wrote job descriptions for each. The positions require a commitment of several hours per week or several hours per month. So far, four of the nine positions have been filled.

Hope Center Pantry is actively searching for volunteers to:

  • Maintain Client Data
  • Keep the Pantry Stocked
  • Write a Quarterly Newsletter
  • Organize the Pantry
  • Coordinate Volunteer Leaders

Janice and Chris developed systems, checklists, and databases to streamline operations, which will make newcomers’ roles easier.

“It’s their choice whether they want to use our procedures or revise them their own way. This is a starting point,” Janice said. Janice and Chris plan to remain with the pantry as volunteers.

Food Pantry Feeds 1,500 Every Month

Currently, the pantry is a self-sustaining, well-established, and smooth-running operation. About 100 volunteers serve 1,500 family members every month. The pantry volunteers have opportunities to build friendships and experience the joy of working together to help others.

Contact Us to Continue the Pantry’s Mission

Hope Center Pantry collaborates with other social service organizations to find ways to break the cycle of poverty. Anyone interested in information about leadership roles can email hopecenterpantrygb@gmail.com or call 920-437-3356.

“I think there are people who can do these jobs just fine. All we need is to talk to them,” Janice said. “Volunteering at the panty is so rewarding. We can see the difference we are making just by the smiles on people’s faces. Please contact us if you can help out.”

Fred Lamont: Retired Physician Who Enjoys Volunteering

Joan Koehne
Fred Lamont, retired physician and volunteer at Hope Center Pantry

At age 82, Fred Lamont is an admirable example of giving back to his community! In his career, Fred was an internal medicine physician. He and his wife, Kathy, adopted two sons from Russia. When Fred retired in 2000, the boys were 11 and 12 years old. Therefore, travelling extensively in retirement was not an option.

Literacy Tutor and Clinic Volunteer

Until two years ago, he volunteered at the NEW Community Clinic one morning a week. He started tutoring for Literacy Green Bay when he retired and still tutors there today. He was ready to start volunteering at St. Patrick’s Pantry when he fractured his ankle. That put his pantry volunteering on hold as he first had to let his ankle heal after surgery.

Securing a New Home for Hope Center Pantry

As a member of the Spirituality Group at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (SEAS) Parish, Fred worked with the group and Fr. Don Everts at the Quad Parishes to secure a new site for the pantry. With the help of fundraising, they were able to purchase a credit union building on Green Bay’s west side. Fr. Don assembled a team to remodel the building to accommodate the pantry and Love Life West. This building is now called the Hope Center Pantry. The new building was a huge improvement over the old location since it has no stairs and much more room.

Rewarding Experiences as a Pantry Volunteer

Fred began volunteering at the pantry at the current site. He is scheduled to work at the pantry on Mondays once or twice a month. However, with back issues, Fred isn’t able to do heavy lifting. He sorts donations and fills client orders. He also brings the food donations from SEAS Parish over to the pantry a couple times a month and usually stays to help sort the donations. His volunteer experience at the pantry has been great and very rewarding.

Fred’s Philosophy of Volunteering

As a pantry volunteer, Fred has come to realize that volunteers are needed more and more. His volunteering philosophy is as follows:

  1. What needs to be done?
  2. What can I do physically to serve others as Jesus did?

Once a volunteer answers these questions, then they should pick two or three charities to volunteer for and get to work. Fred encourages others to volunteer at the Hope Center Pantry (formerly St. Patrick’s Pantry).

“It is a nice place to work, and the needs there are growing,” he said.

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

Serenity House: Leading People to Recovery

Joan Koehne
Hope Center Pantry resource table at Serenity House


On Sept. 8, the Hope Center Pantry set up a resource table at Serenity House in Green Bay. The sober-living home celebrated the opening of a second location, and we were honored to participate in the special event. It warmed our hearts to see the outpouring of support from neighbors and friends at the open house. The Pantry provides food to residents as needed, as the residents work to make positive changes in their lives. We are glad that we can partner with this organization and support these residents as they strive to achieve sustained recovery. Contact us to ask us about partnering with your Green Bay business or nonprofit.

What is Serenity House?

The Serenity House provides safe and sober living by connecting residents with the Twelve Step Communities leading into a growing relationship with God and a lifetime of recovery. Their vision is to help individuals suffering from alcohol and drug addiction to receive a life that they never imagined possible, through God, recovery and the twelve steps. (Source: Serenity House website)

Staggering Stats: Food Pantry Serves 1,623 in August

Joan Koehne
Hope Center Pantry shelves of food


Hope Center Pantry experienced a considerable year-over-year increase in the number of clients facing food insecurity in the Green Bay area. The pantry recorded staggering statistics from August 2024. The pantry served 493 households, compared to 374 households in August 2023. The 493 families represent 1,623 individuals – 874 adults and 749 children. In 2023, the panty served 1,425 adults and children. Plus, of the 493 families who picked up free food in August 2024, 109 were new clients.

Monthly Food Pick-Up

Clients are permitted to pick up free food from the panty once a month during the hours of 1-3pm Monday through Thursday. The only exception is for veterans and active military personnel who can pick up free food once a week.

Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

Hope Center Pantry believes that access to nutritious food is critical to good health and well-being. We strive to get food into the homes of people who need it. We are extremely fortunate to have the support from the West Side Catholic parishes of Annunciation, St. Agnes, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Joseph, St. Jude, Nativity and St. Patrick and many others in the community. Together, we can help break the cycle of poverty.

The Tooth Fairy Visits the Pantry

Joan Koehne
A girl holding an America's Tooth Fairy Dental kit

Besides taking away lost baby teeth from under a pillow at night, what else does the Tooth Fairy do? Well, let us inform you! On June 24, a huge box arrived at Hope Center Pantry. The box contained 100 “America’s Tooth Fairy” kits (also known as Smile Guardian Resource kits).

Oral Health Kits for Families

Each kit contained a toothbrush, toothpaste, brochure with oral health tips for the entire family, and an Action Hero activity booklet. The items are high quality, and the pantry appreciates the opportunity to assist families with dental hygiene. Hope Center Pantry distributed the kits to clients that have young children in their families.

Thanks, Patterson Dental Foundation

Thanks to Patterson Dental Foundation for putting together such a nice package to promote oral health! Patterson supports nonprofit community partners by delivering education, prevention and treatment services for underserved children. Every child deserves a healthy smile!

Kind-hearted Youth Donate Food to Pantry

Joan Koehne
Youth from West De Pere Middle School donate food to Hope Center Pantry

Hope Center Pantry is so appreciative of the food donations provided by the youth of the De Pere area this summer. We are extremely fortunate to have this type of support from the children and teens in the Green Bay and De Pere community.

Middle School Donates Food

In June, West De Pere Middle School dropped off two large boxes and two bags of food that they collected for the Hope Center Pantry. What a generous gesture this was. We love to see our youth doing kind things for their community!

Youth from Old St. Joe's donate food to Hope Center Pantry

VBS Students Donate Snack Mixes

In August, a group of boys who attended Old St. Joe’s Catholic Church Vacation Bible School (St. Norbert Parish) stopped by Hope Center Pantry. They dropped off 100 bags of snack mixes that they had made just for us! Our pantry clients were so grateful for the snack mixes. A big shout out of appreciation to all who helped package these.

The Pantry Partners with Youth Groups

Are you involved in youth ministry, youth sports, or some another type of organization for kids and teens in Green Bay? Would your organization like to give back to the community by volunteering or donating food or other items? By helping out the pantry, youth can develop a sense of empathy, learn new skills, and gain a better understanding of social justice. Contact us to learn more about food drives, community service projects, and other ways to volunteer. Help us feed the hungry in Green Bay.

Elks Care and Elks Share

Joan Koehne
Hope Center Pantry representatives accept $1,200 donation from Elks

At Hope Center Pantry, we rely on support from the community to feed the hungry in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Many local businesses and nonprofit organizations help us live out the pantry’s mission: “To serve and guide those who are in need. It is our responsibility to empower and support others.” The Elks Lodge of Green Bay is a loyal supporter of Hope Center Pantry. The organization’s website says it like this: “The Elks serve the people and communities through benevolent programs, demonstrating that Elks Care and Elks Share.”

Green Bay Elks Lodge Donates $1,200

Periodically, the Green Bay Lodge surprises us with donations of food, cleaning items and hygiene items that our clients great appreciate. In July, two members of Green Bay Elks Lodge #259
stopped by the Hope Center Pantry to present a check for $1,200! The Lodge has been a wonderful supporter of our pantry, and we appreciate the donation.

Exclusive Pantry Hours for Military Veterans

The Elks also assist us as we meet the needs of military veterans. The pantry welcomes veterans to the panty during our regular operational hours, from 1-3pm Monday through Thursday. Additionally, the pantry is open exclusively for veterans from 3-4pm on the second and third Tuesdays of each month.

Ask Us How Your Nonprofit Can Contribute

Hope Center Pantry values its partnerships with Green Bay businesses and nonprofit organizations. Unfortunately, food insecurity is a problem for many people in the community. In August 2024, Hope Center Pantry served 493 families – 874 adults and 749 children. Food banks like ours can’t do this alone. Contact us to learn how your business or nonprofit can sponsor a food drive, personal hygiene drive, or find other ways to donate to the pantry.

Bev Goodreau: Being a Volunteer Brings Me Joy

Team


An ad in the St. Agnes Church bulletin asking for help led Bev Goodreau to St. Patrick’s Food Pantry 18 years ago. When St. Patrick’s Food Pantry transitioned to Hope Center Pantry, Bev joined the Hope Center team. She has been a manager for 8 years and finds great satisfaction in feeding the hungry. Here’s her story.

Bev Goodreau, Hope Center Pantry volunteer

“My greatest joy at the pantry is the clients. Seeing the smiles on their faces when they see the generous box of food they receive makes the job even more heartwarming.”

-Bev Goodreau, Hope Center Volunteer and Manager

Upper Michigan Native

I’m a proud Yooper. I was born in Escanaba, Michigan, and raised in Schaffer, Michigan. I attended St. Joe’s Elementary/Middle school and Holy Name High school in Escanaba, Michigan. Go Crusaders!

Family in Colorado and Wisconsin

I married the most wonderful man and had 48 joyous years with him until I lost him to cancer. Together, we have two sons, Marc and Kurt. Marc lives in Denver, CO and is a middle school math teacher; he has two sons, Jack and Sam. Jack lives in Vail, CO and works for Vail’s park and recreation district. Sam lives in Centennial, CO and is a financial administrator for a car leasing company. Kurt lives in Sobieski, WI and is an ATF agent for the state of WI; and has a daughter, Mackenzie and a son, Ben. Mackenzie is a Speech Language Pathologist in Amery, WI. Ben is a Sauk County Sheriff Deputy living in Baraboo, WI.

Happily Retired from Career with Sears

My working career was with Sears. I started as a teletype operator (I’m really dating myself). Soon, I became the HR director, followed by several promotions, and retired as the Operations Manager. I am happily retired.

Church Volunteer and Greeter

I am a member of St. Agnes Parish and volunteer for the parish. You’ll find me as a Greeter at one of the doors any given Saturday at the 4:15pm Mass. I also volunteer for the church festival.

Serving the Community as Pantry Volunteer

Working for Hope Center Pantry has given me much joy and satisfaction. I have met and worked with such amazing volunteers. What a fantastic way to serve my community. God Bless!

Stamp Out Hunger Delivers 10K Pounds of Food

Joan Koehne
volunteers who assisted at Stamp Out Hunger for Hope Center Pantry

On a beautiful Saturday in May the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) held their 30th annual Food Drive, called Stamp Out Hunger. The mail carriers pick up donated food on their routes for the pantries in their neighborhood. Hope Center Pantry is extremely grateful that our Brown County postal carriers collected food for the needy as part of their community service effort.

30 Pantry Volunteers Assist at Stamp Out Hunger

Our Hope Center Food Pantry received approximately 10,000 pounds of food from Stamp Out Hunger. Last year, we received approximately 6,000 pounds from the food drive. We couldn’t have done this without over 30 volunteers. They stepped up to help us with this huge food drive. Some of our volunteers followed the letter carriers to collect food donations. Additionally, some volunteered at the Post Office on Packerland Drive. They took the nonperishable food donations from vehicles and loaded the food into totes.

A Team Effort to Unload, Sort & Store Donations

One of our partner agencies, Serenity House of Green Bay, helped us out at the Post Office this year. The Hope Center Pantry volunteers unloaded the totes, sorted food and put food into our storage area. It was a team effort!

Thankful for This Annual Food Drive

Time and time again, we are overwhelmed by the generosity of our community to help out our Pantry clients that are in need of a little extra help with their groceries. The quality of the items we received from Stamp Out Hunger was unbelievable. Thank you to all that made this happen! To become a Hope Center Pantry volunteer for food drives like Stamp Out Hunger, contact us today. We’re grateful for the outpouring of community support.

Food Donations Pour in from Scouting for Food

Joan Koehne

What do you get when you combine troops of Boy Scouts and a dozen committed volunteers?
Answer: A well-stocked Hope Center Pantry, of course!

Hope Center Pantry volunteers prepare to process food donations from Scouting for Food

Boy Scouts’ 36th Annual Food Drive

The Bay-Lakes Council Boy Scouts of America sponsored the 36th annual Scouting Food drive on Saturday, April 27. Here’s how the food drive worked. The scouts dropped off empty bags at homes in their neighborhood on April 20. The bags included a list of suggested food items to donate. Then, the Boy Scouts collected the food donations on the morning of April 27. They brought the nonperishable food to Lambeau Field to be distributed to pantries in Brown County. (Check out our 2021 Scouting for Food report.)

Pantry Volunteers Process the Food Donations

The Hope Center Pantry received three full totes of food. Twelve volunteers waited eagerly at the Pantry to help unload, sort, and store the food when it arrived. In 75 minutes, we had the job completed. The proverb “Many hands make light work!” is true.

Thanks to the Boy Scouts & Donors

Hope Center Pantry appreciates everyone who donated to Scouting for Food. Additionally, we thank the Boy Scouts for running food drive every year. With these food donations on our shelves, we can help the hungry in the Green Bay community.

Feeding the Hungry of Brown County WI

In 2023, Hope Center Pantry served 370 to 590 clients every month. As the cost of groceries remains high, the Pantry provides valuable assistance to those in need. Hope Center Pantry is open from 1-3pm Monday through Thursday. We serve the hungry in Green Bay and Brown County, Wisconsin. Join us on our mission by donating or volunteering today. Contact us to learn more.