Generous parishioners, caring volunteers, a mission of love and the ever increasing needs of the community prompted the St. Mary of the Lake Conference of St. Vincent de Paul Society, Lakewood, to seek – and ultimately find - larger quarters for the society-sponsored food pantry.

What began modestly in October 2006 in the parish hall basement and later in a small trailer with no refrigeration has since expanded into a larger trailer with better accommodations. The success was due in no small part to a core group of three volunteers who were responsible for starting the original food pantry and who embody the spirit of giving.

“We’ve gotten more back than we could possibly give,” stated SVDP vice-president Pete Custode, who along with vice-presidents Frank Grandinetti and James Drago, are the heart and soul of a team which always looks for ways to serve others. “I’ve been pretty lucky in life,” Custode added, noting that those who come to the pantry for help can’t afford basic necessities.

“I get so much out of being involved,” Drago noted, adding that the desire to find more space was based on demand, more specifically a growing community in need of assistance.

“The number of clients has tripled since we have the new trailer,” he said. The “new” trailer was actually an old school building that sat at Holy Family School. It was provided free-of-charge, according to Drago.

The organization then made improvements by adding new siding and upgrading the electrical system.

Today, the pantry serves about 1,300 people per month, roughly 400 families, according to Grandinetti. Refrigeration allows donations of staples like milk, eggs and butter.

With so many in need of help, fundraising is no small task. “Whatever comes in goes out right away,” Grandinetti said.

Custode, Drago and Grandinetti credited Father Michael O’Connor, St. Mary of the Lake pastor, for being so supportive. The organization initiates collections four times per year and raises approximately $6,000 each time. A food drive is ongoing every month.

Additionally, financial support is provided by the Make-a-Wish Foundation along with a grant from the Township of Lakewood. Stop & Shop, the Atlanta Bread Company and the Food Bank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties also help to keep the shelves stocked. Grandinetti explained that the Atlanta Bread Company donates bagels and pastries every Saturday and every other Thursday.

“We are always looking for specials in stores too,” he joked.

The pantry is open five days per week and clients do not have to make appointments. In addition to food, assistance with rent and utility bills is also available. “We have three teams that actually go and visit homes to ensure that there is need,” Drago said.

Custode emphasized that the mission is successful because of the volunteers, which number about 40. “Every one of them is terrific,” he noted, “and this is a 100 percent volunteer opportunity. You can’t find a better group of people.”

Information on the group is available by contacting Frank Grandinetti at (732) 961-1792. The food pantry is located on the grounds of the parish at 43 Madison Avenue, Lakewood, N.J.