Open Doors of Washington Township Celebrates 30 Years of Service
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The leaders and members at Open Doors of Washington Township recently celebrated 30 years in the Westfield community.
Open Doors was started in 1990 by a group of women who wanted to provide food for Westfield families in need.
“Over the years it has grown from serving a few families to serving a few hundred families,” says President Bruce Watson. “The food pantry began in the basement of a church, and then moved to the basement of the old city hall. From there it moved to the former fire station on Jersey Street, where it operated until 2017.”
In 2016, Open Doors leaders ran a campaign called “Keep Open Doors Open.” Watson says between pantry reserves and the generosity of the Westfield community, enough money was raised to build a new 5,000-square-foot facility on the Monon Trail Elementary School campus.
“The Westfield school system donated the land,” Watson says. “The new building was opened in July of 2017. Over the years, Open Doors added a clothing pantry to better serve its clients. Food and clothing donations are welcome any time in our donations box, or on the days the pantry is open.”
Today the pantry is supported by 13 local churches that supply food, clothing and volunteers.
“A number of local businesses also support Open Doors on a regular basis, as well as the many special programs run throughout the year,” Watson says. “In addition to its ongoing pantry operations, we provide nutritious snack foods to the intermediate and middle school counselor offices, summer meals for children who would normally receive free and reduced lunches at school, back-to-school backpacks with school supplies and clothing, Thanksgiving dinner foods, children’s toys and clothing gift cards, and spring cleaning supplies.” Clients can be referred to Open Doors by one of their church partners, come to the pantry during open hours, or contact the organization through the official website. New clients will be asked to complete an application, and will be interviewed by a client advocate.
Clients may come to the pantry once per month for groceries, the amount of which depends on family size. At that time, they may also access the clothing pantry.
“All food and clothing is free,” Watson says. “Open Doors stocks a wide variety of canned foods, dry goods, meat, bakery items, deli items and produce. Clients may also shop our front room during four additional times a month. On these trips, they can pick up miscellaneous groceries, bottled drinks, produce, deli items and clothing.”
Those interested in volunteering can go to the Open Doors website and click on the Volunteer Opportunities tab.
“Someone will contact them to sign them up for any of a variety of volunteer jobs,” Watson says. “Open Doors is an all-volunteer organization. No one, including the executive board, is paid for their time and service. We are very appreciative of those who are willing to serve on a weekly, every-other-week, or monthly basis, or for our seasonal programs.”
Watson says the coronavirus has led to an increase in the number of families in need, and volunteers have risen to the occasion.
“Since much of the food we distribute is purchased through monetary donations, we ask people to consider making regular donations, or donations to support the many special programs we offer our clients throughout the year,” Watson adds.
Open Doors of Washington Township is located at 19360 Tomlinson Road in Westfield. For more info, visit them online or call 317-867-8670.
Donations can be submitted online by clicking on the Donate button, or by mail to: Open Doors of Washington Township, P.O. Box 196, Westfield, IN 46074.
