The pantry at the Genesis Center, a women’s shelter in Kaufman, was way too small. About the size of a walk-in closet with shelves made of PVC pipe and old boards, it wouldn’t hold enough food to feed the 40 to 50 women and children who live there.

The Leadership Kaufman County class took on building a new pantry as a project. First they thought they could raise enough money for a small shed, then the members set their sights on a garage-size metal building with a roll-up door.

Part of new pantry

Finally, the members raised $20,000. Enough to build the pantry and create a new entry for the shelter’s thrift store. There’s was even enough left over to help resurface the parking lot.

“This is the first class that finished a project during the class year,” said Anne Glasscock, a class graduate and program coordinator.

Leadership Kaufman County trains those who want to work in leadership positions such as school boards, directors for non-profit organizations or perhaps run for office. The members spend a day a month learning about governmental and community issues. They also take on a project to help an organization that serves the county.

The shelter provides a new start for women and their children. It has grown steadily since 1999 and has received a number of gifts that helped improve the center and thrift store during the past year.

Old pantry

Kimberly Leavelle, the center’s administrator, said the pantry, while not a glamorous addition, is a big help.

She said the old pantry was so small you had “grease your hips” to get through.

The new pantry with an industrial roll-up door is easier to stock, has room for the food the shelter needs and allows it to keep a little extra to share with our charitable agencies, Ms. Leavelle said.

“We’re not a food pantry, but we like to keep a little for the folks who just come in and need food.”

A new Leadership Kaufman County class will begin in October and continue through June. For more information call 972-932-3118.

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