{"id":72104,"date":"2025-12-16T11:56:20","date_gmt":"2025-12-16T11:56:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/72104\/"},"modified":"2025-12-16T11:56:20","modified_gmt":"2025-12-16T11:56:20","slug":"pantry-gets-cleaned-out-in-hours-but-every-week-devotees-keep-it-coming-back-staten-islanders-of-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/72104\/","title":{"rendered":"Pantry gets cleaned out in hours, but every week devotees keep it coming back | Staten Islanders of 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

Editor\u2019s Note: In honor of the many everyday Staten Islanders who give back, make change, inspire others, advocate and\/or care about their community, we are highlighting some of the standouts, and honoring them as Staten Island\u2019s Brightest Lights of 2025.<\/p>\n

Staten Island\u2019s Brightest Lights of 2025: Lorna Wilson & the Faith United Methodist Church pantry<\/p>\n

Every week, a small pantry on Staten Island becomes a lifeline for hundreds of families\u2014and a symbol of what community care truly means. Stocked with fresh groceries and essentials, the shelves are emptied within hours, underscoring a growing need. Yet, thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers and donors, the pantry continues to reopen week after week.<\/p>\n

The heart behind this mission lies in its organizers, starting with director Lorna Wilson. They rally local businesses, churches, and residents to contribute, turning individual acts of kindness into a powerful collective force. <\/p>\n

Wilson said, \u201cI\u2019ve impacted a lot of lives. Whether they came humbly or fought their way through, they got what they needed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Here is the pantry\u2019s story, originally published Oct. 9, 2025:<\/p>\n

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 At exactly 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, the doors of Faith United Methodist Church at 221 Heberton Avenue in Port Richmond swung open, and the flow began\u2014five at a time\u2014into a community room transformed into a market-style bazaar of food and clothing. This is the weekly food pantry, and its director, Lorna Wilson, stood at the entrance, guiding the crowd with calm authority.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can start here. It\u2019s five at a time,\u201d she said, as a woman shook a yellow courtesy bag, puffing it up with air in preparation.<\/p>\n

\"FoodLightly used shoes are a big draw at the pantry which features a variety of clothes as well. (Advance\/Silive.com | Pamela Silvestri)A boy, a bag, and a pair of Nikes<\/p>\n

A boy, around 10 years old, stepped forward wearing oversized sneakers. His mother moved along the food and grocery line, which began with adult diapers and canned goods, then worked itself toward a pile of overripe pears, sacks of Brussels sprouts and a freezer stocked with frozen hams and turkeys. <\/p>\n

But the boy\u2019s attention was fixed on a row of shoes, neatly lined up like soldiers on the steps of a small stage. He spotted a pair of gently worn yellow and navy Nikes and tucked them into his bag.<\/p>\n

\"FoodJust before the pantry opened for its clients, volunteers said a prayer and tended to their stations. (Advance\/Silive.com | Pamela Silvestri)<\/p>\n

Behind him, an elderly man with a pushcart filled with day-old bread and a jumbo can of Chock Full o\u2019 Nuts coffee whistled as he picked up a pair of purple sneakers. Within minutes, the shoe table was noticeably lighter.<\/p>\n

\"FoodClothes were collected from around the borough by Girl Scout Troop 5001 for this particular pantry session. (Advance\/Silive.com | Pamela Silvestri)The rhythm of the room<\/p>\n

Volunteers stood behind a table, handing out juice boxes and supplies. The room buzzed with soft chatter and the gentle clatter of metal carts, as arms reached and mothers maneuvered through the crowd with their children.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo ID necessary,\u201d Wilson called out. \u201cHow many people in your family?\u201d<\/p>\n

At the \u201cAmazon Table,\u201d as Wilson calls it\u2014stocked by the Muslim Sisters of Staten Island with premium supplies like soaps, shampoos and cleaning products\u2014the boy\u2019s mother followed, stylish in torn jeans, a red-and-white outfit, and an over-the-shoulder tote. They slipped into the growing scrum, then retreated to a quiet corner to organize their haul.<\/p>\n

\"FoodThe pantry is located at Heberton and Post Avenues. It functions on Saturdays from 12:30 p.m. until supplies run out, about an hour. (Advance\/Silive.com | Pamela Silvestri)A pantry with deep roots<\/p>\n

The Faith United Methodist Church pantry has served Port Richmond for more than 50 years. It began with Boy Scout leader William Morris Jr., who saw neighbors in need and began distributing food. His son, William Morris III, later took over. <\/p>\n

\"FoodIn the heart of Port Richmond, a pantry becomes a model of generosity and community coming together in a historic church. (Advance\/Silive.com | Pamela Silvestri)<\/p>\n

Around the time of the pandemic, Wilson stepped in, expanding the pantry\u2019s reach through partnerships and donations from Project Hospitality, the Richmond County Foundation, Dr Theodora Atlas Foundation, the Mannix Family\u2019s ShopRite supermarkets and, more recently, the Muslim Sisters of Staten Island.<\/p>\n

\"FoodMarykate Russo, Gianna Pizzo and Isabella Odessa from the Girl Scout Troop 5001 tend to the clothing table. (Advance\/Silive.com | Pamela Silvestri)Girl Scouts in action<\/p>\n

On this particular Saturday, members of Girl Scout Troop 5001 brought a group of girls from St. Joseph Hill Academy and Notre Dame Academy\u2014many of whom have been in the troop since Pre-K.<\/p>\n

\u201cI try to find different things for them to do\u2014things that matter,\u201d said troop leader Michelle Pizzo. \u201cIf they want to help, they can. And they always show up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"FoodSupport comes from Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority, Indian Nurses of Staten Island, The Harriet Tubman Purple Hat Society and the National Council of Negro Women, just to name a few. Hundreds of students from around the borough pitch in as do visiting groups from around the country. In this image is Assemblyman Charles Fall. (Advance\/Silive.com | Pamela Silvestri)<\/p>\n

Now sophomores, several of the girls earned their Silver Award by organizing a clothing donation drive. With help from Rev. Terry Troia of Project Hospitality, they connected with the pantry at Faith United Methodist Church to deliver the collected items. To encourage continued giving, Pizzo and fellow troop leaders are setting up donation boxes at their respective churches. <\/p>\n

The troop regularly participates in service projects, including volunteering at food pantries and maintaining seasonal flower arrangements at Angel Circle.<\/p>\n

\"LornaVolunteers get ready for action as the pantry gears up for service on a recent Saturday afternoon. (Advance\/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)A snapshot of Saturday<\/p>\n

Inside the Faith United room, the crowd was diverse\u2014a mix of races, ethnicities and ages. Some carried carts, others bags, and some just their hands. Murmurs filled the air in a mix of languages.<\/p>\n

At the clothing table, the boy\u2019s mother held up sweatshirts, inspecting colors and sizes. She kept a watchful eye on her son, signaling with two fingers pointed into her eyes to stay close. He stood quietly nearby, hands in his pockets, no phone, just observing.<\/p>\n

\"LornaEven the shoe boxes were in demand, handy for storage and organizing papers. (Advance\/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)<\/p>\n

By 12:43, the practical shoe inventory was depleted. The boy found a book on making paper airplanes and tucked it into his bag. His mother crouched down, packing up winter jackets. He helped, folding and organizing.<\/p>\n

\"LornaThe “Amazon Table” is put together by the Muslim Sisters of Staten Island. It is an enormous draw as it includes cleaning supplies, soap, beauty supplies and beverages. (Advance\/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)<\/p>\n

The pantry buzzed with energy, rising to the volume of an auction. Suddenly the noise bubbled over and a scuffle broke out\u2014quick to erupt, quicker to vanish. Meanwhile, the boy and his mom kept to the sidelines, agreeing on a Jets sweatshirt for him and boots for her. Their yellow bag swelled, filled to the brim.<\/p>\n

\"LornaDrop-off is daily between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. at the 221 Heberton door.(Advance\/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)<\/p>\n

By 12:54, even a pair of rhinestone-studded pumps were gone. At the baked goods table a woman picked over what was left. The boy watched. His mother called him over and the pair slipped out through a side door.<\/p>\n

At 1:01, the room had been picked fairly clean. On the food table, the pear pile persisted, and there were only a few takers on the Brussels sprouts.<\/p>\n

\"LornaWhat\u2019s needed: Gently used clothing, coats, shoes, and toys; non-perishable food; gift cards and cash\/check donations. This is what was left at the end of the pantry. (Advance\/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)How to help<\/p>\n

Wilson runs the pantry with just a few church members including lay leader and assistant coordinator Everette Linton. Those from outside organizations provide the bulk of volunteers. Wilson says donations are welcome. Anyone can call or text her at 347-539-6951. Drop-off is daily between 1 and 2 p.m. at the 221 Heberton door (glass door near the office entrance).<\/p>\n

What\u2019s needed:<\/p>\n

Gently used clothing, coats, shoes and toysNon-perishable foodGift cards and cash\/check donations<\/p>\n

Monetary donations go toward purchasing meat and other goods at Ranchers Best in Mariners Harbor\u2014mostly fresh produce, hams and chickens. Wilson has a special request for those who wish to contribute to the cause: \u201cWe could use a commercial refrigerator to preserve produce and proteins.\u201d<\/p>\n

The pantry is open every Saturday from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., or until supplies run out. Midweek giveaways may be added if needed.<\/p>\n

\"LornaThe “Amazon Table” after about 45 minutes of the pantry’s door opening. (Advance\/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)<\/p>\n

Support comes from Girl Scout troops, Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority, Indian Nurses of Staten Island, The Harriet Tubman Purple Hat Society and the National Council of Negro Women, just to name a few. Hundreds of students from around the borough pitch in, as do visiting groups from around the country. <\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re always willing to give back,\u201d Wilson said.<\/p>\n

Despite its impact, the church faces financial hardship.<\/p>\n

\"FoodThe food pantry at the church is over 50 years old. (Advance\/Silive.com | Pamela Silvestri)<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d think we\u2019re a rich church, but we\u2019re not,\u201d Wilson said. \u201cWe struggle to pay our $24,000 annual insurance and high utility bills.\u201d<\/p>\n

To help with efforts, the pantry will host \u201cAn Evening of Jazz\u201d on Nov. 1 from 6 to 9 p.m., featuring the Curtis High School Jazz Band and a lead jazz vocalist. The event will raise funds for pantry operations and church expenses.<\/p>\n

Tickets are $50 pre-sale admission and $55 at the door. Food is included and specialty drinks are for sale. For interest in attending, contact Wilson\u2019s helpers at 917-992-6790 or 347-6768-8423. <\/p>\n

\"FoodThis food pantry began with Boy Scout leader William Morris Jr., who saw neighbors in need and began distributing food. His son, William Morris III, later took over. (Advance\/Silive.com | Pamela Silvestri)Looking ahead<\/p>\n

Lorna Wilson is in the process of establishing a nonprofit called Hunger and Lifestyle, reviving a name originally chosen by pantry founders William Morris Jr. and his wife. The goal is to separate the pantry\u2019s operations from the church.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re separating the pantry from the church so donors who don\u2019t give to religious institutions can still support us,\u201d Wilson explained.<\/p>\n

\"LornaThe Muslim Sisters of Staten Island regularly supply volunteers at the pantry. (Advance\/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)<\/p>\n

She added, \u201cI\u2019ve impacted a lot of lives. Whether they came humbly or fought their way through, they got what they needed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Politics and local restaurants are also part of the pantry\u2019s evolving story. Wilson has partnered with Rethink Food, a nonprofit founded by former chef Matt Jozwiak, which turns surplus food from restaurants and grocery stores into nutritious, culturally appropriate meals\u2014free to those in need.<\/p>\n

\"FoodLebanese Eatery owner Tarek Wazzan personally delivers hot meals each week.(Advance\/SILive.com |Pamela Silvestri)<\/p>\n

Through its Rethink Certified Program and commissary kitchen, the organization distributes thousands of meals weekly, including through Staten Island partners like Lebanese Eatery in Port Richmond. Owner Tarek Wazzan has been a steady presence, delivering two hot meal options each time to ensure recipients receive food that\u2019s both nourishing and familiar.<\/p>\n

On Friday, Aug. 8, during a special pantry session, Assemblyman Charles Fall had visited to observe one of the distributions. He\u2019s been instrumental in securing funding for pop-up pantries and organizing food drives in collaboration with local nonprofits.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery family on Staten Island deserves the basic right to a nutritious meal,\u201d Fall told a group of volunteers who had traveled from the Washington, D.C. area.<\/p>\n

He added, \u201cIt\u2019s really something to see this come together. But credit goes to Rethink Food and its executive director, Matt Jozwiak\u2014he\u2019s the one who made this possible when we finally connected a few years ago. Food insecurity is real in our community, and this program delivers hot meals while supporting local businesses at the same time. It\u2019s a win-win.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"FoodCanned chicken, tuna and vegetables are stacked for the taking. This inventory includes donations and food from the Food Bank of New York. (Advance\/SILive.com |Pamela Silvestri)<\/p>\n

Fall noted that Lebanese Eatery has been a consistent partner for over a year and a half. \u201cThey\u2019ve been incredibly helpful,\u201d he said. \u201cIn the past, other restaurants have also pitched in. As time goes on, we look at which businesses have the capacity to help\u2014and when it works, it really works.\u201d<\/p>\n

Earlier this month, Rethink had named Wilson the Community Ambassador for Staten Island.<\/p>\n

\"FoodVolunteers and organizers of the pantry took time to pose for a photo with Assemblyman Charles fall and visitors from Washington D.C. who helped on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025. (Advance\/Silive.com | Pamela Silvestri)\"FoodIvette Lema, left, and Cali Swanson staffed the baked goods table, a popular station at the pantry.(Advance\/Silive.com | Pamela Silvestri)\"LornaYellow bags were provided by Metro Plus. (Advance\/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)\"LornaThe Muslim Sisters of Staten Island regularly supply volunteers at the pantry. (Advance\/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)\"LornaFaith United\u2019s Pantry: 50 Years of Feeding Staten Island
\nDeck:
\nFrom its home at 221 Heberton Ave., the Port Richmond church continues its mission with help from Girl Scouts, local leaders, and a chef-turned-activist. Lorna Wilson is its director.(Advance\/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)\"LornaLoose diapers, stationary and k-cups were among the last of the items picked through on a table of donated inventory. (Advance\/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)\"LornaThe “Amazon Table” is put together by the MSSI. (Advance\/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)\"LornaHats, business gear and casual wear were among the appreciated items. (Advance\/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Editor\u2019s Note: In honor of the many everyday Staten Islanders who give back, make change, inspire others, advocate…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2460,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[9,24,63,134,136,135],"class_list":{"0":"post-72104","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-staten-island","8":"tag-new-york","9":"tag-new-york-city","10":"tag-nyc","11":"tag-staten-island","12":"tag-staten-island-headlines","13":"tag-staten-island-news"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/72104","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=72104"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/72104\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2460"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=72104"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=72104"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=72104"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}