Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - "I don't turn anyone away."
Annie Carlson has been Volunteer Coordinator for St. Patrick's Food Pantry on William Street in Buffalo for the past seven years.
The small food pantry has been around for over 100 years. Originally it served men coming off boats and was formerly located near St. Patrick's Friary.
In more recent times, the pantry moved to its current location across from the William Street Post Office, on the side of Goodwill Plaza, serving people in the 14206 and 14210 zip codes.
Carlson said the need has grown exponentially.
"Food insecurity has increased greatly. We were open throughout the Covid epidemic, but post-epidemic, we have seen our numbers increase greatly from all areas."
St. Patrick's operates under the administrative arm of Peaceprints. It is also a partner of FeedMore WNY. That's where a majority of their food comes from.
Carlson does a lot of community pickups as well from relationships she has built with stores, friends and churches.
While still holding a day job as a Home Care Nurse, Carlson opens St. Patrick's one day a week, on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. She is required to ask for proof of address from each new client. But she admits if someone tells her that they're hungry, that's all she needs to hear.
"I'm non-judgmental. You never know who it's going to be. It could be me someday," she noted. "The plant that just closed in Tonawanda, (Sumitomo). A lot of families are going to have food insecurity."
Asking for help is not an easy thing to do. Carlson said it takes great strength to ask for assistance.
"People often apologize to me. I tell them, no apology is necessary. I applaud their strength. Food insecurity is a focus now because of the holidays. It's a time for giving. But in July the same families are hungry."
How can people help? There are many ways.
"You can donate directly to St. Patrick's Pantry. You can donate to FeedMore WNY. Consider volunteering or making a monetary donation. If nothing else,
Annie said, "help your neighbor. If you have extra, share it."
Carlson said she's honored to be recognized as Selfless Among Us, but admits its overwhelming. "I do this because I love it. I love to help people. This is a wonderful spotlight on what the pantry does for our community. That's why we're here. Happy Thanksgiving everyone."
