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The Personal Essentials Pantry

The Pantry is open every Friday from 10am to 12 noon, and the 3rd Thursday of the month from 5:30 to 7pm. It serves 30 to 40 families at a session. With no overhead and an all-volunteer staff, it is able to operate on a budget of about $40,000 for product cost annually. Most products are bought from a local wholesale grocery distributor and some are donated by individuals and groups. Want to know how you can help? The Pantry needs financial contributions and volunteers on a regular basis in order to serve our guests as a reliable source of the personal and household hygiene products needed on a daily basis.

Come and enjoy coffee, lemonade and snacks with our guests while learning more about how you can be involved with Good Neighbors Personal Essentials Pantry. Contact Jan at [email protected] for more information.

What are personal essentials?

Personal essentials are the toiletry and household items pertinent to everyday life. These items include everything from diapers to laundry detergent.

Two people working in the pantry

Why is there a special pantry for these items?

Unfortunately, Snap benefits do not cover non-food items, a category that includes all personal essential items. Local food pantries do not regularly stock these items either.

Just imagine trying to get your baby ready for daycare without diapers or prepare for a big interview without deodorant. Personal essentials are an important part of everyday life!

Who can use the pantry?

PEP is available to ALL individuals and families in need. The services are free; you don’t have to be registered with any agency; there’s no huge pile of paperwork to be filled out. If you are at or below the federally-approved income limits, you’re eligible for help from the Pantry. You’re welcome whether you’re a single adult or a household of adults or a household with kids.

A pantry full of supplies

What items are available?

Products offered range from toothbrushes to toilet paper to laundry detergent, as well as many other cleaning and personal care supplies.

Products are portioned out based on family size and expected normal product use. 

How do I find out more about the pantry?

Go to our website at www.GNPEP.net or contact one of the GNPEP Coordinators:

Bottles of essentials in a pantry
A person handing a bag of supplies

What Can I Do to Help?

VOLUNTEER

  • Help pick-up products, unpack items and stock shelves.
  • Help us on pantry days.
  • Help with Product Drives at work, church or community organization.
  • Become a sponsor by promoting the pantry through your organization.
  • Volunteer online at GNPEP.org or contact one of the coordinators. 

DONATE

  • All donations are tax deductible.
  • Cash donations help us purchase products at wholesale prices.
  • By Mail: Checks can be made payable to “Arbor Good Neighbor House” with GNPEP in the memo line.
  • Online: Click the DONATE button below and designate your contribution for “Stocking our Essentials Pantry” in the “I would prefer my donation to go towards…” section.