XENIA — The group 100-Plus Women Making a Difference in Greene County gave $12,100 to the Xenia Area Fish Food Pantry Feb. 27.

The checks will just about cover the cost of creating a handicapped bathroom in what will become the pantry’s new site at 774 Cincinnati Avenue. Formerly a Greene County Parks & Trails facility, the 7,200-square-foot building in Xenia is undergoing renovations for a hopeful opening in May. Work is already underway — but the final date is dependent on zoning, building and occupancy permits.

“I’m so excited,” Gail Matson, pantry president, said. “What I’m trying to do is meet whatever need we have and match it with money somehow.”

Sandy McHugh and Rebecca Morgann, founders of 100 Women, presented the donations to Matson and Brenda Donahue, director of operations, in the new space. Group members meet quarterly to listen to three presenters, vote, then each write a $100 check to the selected charity or organization. Since 2010, the group has donated close to $400,000 to the community.

Matson said she’s seen an outpouring of community support during the transition to the new building. She said people are offering help, sending her grant opportunities, and dropping off donations. Walmart, Kroger and ALDI also donate food, plus the Dayton Foodbank sends a regular allotment.

“The community has just been so generous with us,” Donahue said.

Of the old space, Matson said they’ve outgrown it. Almost 700,000 pounds of food went through the pantry last year. On the biggest day, 135 people showed up for groceries.

The vision for the new building is bigger — but the goal remains the same.

“People walk through and shop just like at a grocery store,” Matson said. “They walk out with a full cart.”

Currently, families can visit the pantry at 541 Ledbetter Road in Xenia once every three weeks. Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays.

For residents looking to help, the pantry is always in need of volunteers, along with funding for renovations and future ongoing expenses. A donation of $1 buys five pounds of food for the pantry.

Anna Bolton | Greene County News 100-Plus Women Making a Difference in Greene County founders Rebecca Morgann (far left) and Sandy McHugh (far right) present checks to Xenia Area Fish Food Pantry President Gail Matson (middle left) and Pantry Director of Operations Brenda Donahue (middle right) Feb. 27 in what will open as the new facility at 774 Cincinnati Avenue.

https://www.xeniagazette.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2020/03/web1_100Women-1.jpgAnna Bolton | Greene County News 100-Plus Women Making a Difference in Greene County founders Rebecca Morgann (far left) and Sandy McHugh (far right) present checks to Xenia Area Fish Food Pantry President Gail Matson (middle left) and Pantry Director of Operations Brenda Donahue (middle right) Feb. 27 in what will open as the new facility at 774 Cincinnati Avenue.