SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS)- According to recipients, the Huntington Family Center located on Gifford Street, transcended the concept of a food pantry.
The center is famously known for its dedicated tradition towards “dignity and self-worth of individuals” and its commitment to amplifying the lives of children and families in the community. However, people don’t know the effect that it has had over the years.
Natalie Smith and Julia McKinney are recipients that have been going to the center for the past 17 years and do not plan on stopping.
“I lost my daughter to suicide. The biggest reason why I came was the people and support I received is what kept me going, kept me coming here,” said McKinney.
Not only does the Huntington Center serve as a food pantry, but it also helps guide the people in the community to get the support they need to stay out of trouble. Supporters say they live its mission in trying to make people’s lives better.
“My one son has disabilities and if it wasn’t for Huntington, I wouldn’t have known about getting him help or whatever we needed for him,” said Natalie Smith. “I go to trainings for Autism and ADHD, and whatever is out there, we go to it.”
The center gets its food from local food banks but has been urgently seeking more donations for hygiene products to fully serve its community.
“Working here opens your eyes to see how much poverty is around and the help that people really do need,” said Executive Assistant, Jane McFarland.
The family center hosts events monthly for people in the community to enjoy and connect along with the food pantry twice a week.
“For myself personally, I am a recovering addict. Having speakers come in and talk about addiction helped me become a better grandparent,” said McKinney. “As an addict, I wasn’t a good mom, but I’m a good grandma.”
Locals say that the people at Huntington Family Center aren’t just staff, they are family. Living by their mission one day at a time has transcended through the community.
