When the Community Food Pantry of Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow first opened its doors in December 2009 as a holiday pantry, little did co-founder Teri Levine, volunteer organizer Rachelle Gebler, and Christ Episcopal Church Rector Susan Copley know how many residents would need their help.

“We saw the need was so great,” Levine said. “You can’t believe it’s your neighbors, but it is. It’s a little mindboggling.”

In 2010, the pantry was open monthly 10 out of 12 months of the year. Last spring, it expanded to twice-a-month distribution. Servicing between an average of 130 and 150 families a month, the pantry exceeded 200 families in November and December. In December alone, 645 individuals, including 253 children, were given a helping hand.

Levine said the Community Food Pantry filled a void left when the Boys and Girls Club left the area. “I’ve been trying to do this for a very long time. It took me almost 10 years,” said Levine, who formerly worked as a food purchaser for a food pantry in Ossining when it also supported Sleepy Hollow.

“I believe the whole world should not be hungry,” she added. “It’s in my DNA.”

A member of the Westchester Food Bank, the Community Food Pantry also relies heavily on volunteers and donations. One anonymous individual recently purchased 150 chickens and $1,000 in gift certificates. Some employees at The Hackley School donated 30 turkeys. Temple Beth Abraham in Tarrytown received funding to enable the pantry to get new shelving and Tarrytown Honda transports food from Food Bank’s headquarters in Millwood. Sam’s Club and C-Town are also supporters.

On the first Wednesday of each month, packed bags of food are distributed to home-bound clients. On the first Thursday, clients are able to shop from the pantry shelves in the morning and evening. On the third Thursday, fresh vegetables and fruit are distribution to clients with special vouchers.

There is no requirement of proof of need to receive food from the pantry, only proof of residence in either Tarrytown or Sleepy Hollow.

“We try to give our clients a balanced meal,” Levine said. “We focus a lot on healthy food. We are so well supported by the community.”

Christ Church is located at 43South Broadway in Tarrytown. For further information on the Community Food Pantry of Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow, call 631-2074.