Branson area charities fighting poverty merge

March 13, 2009, Forsyth, MO. Gift of Hope, Inc. has recently acquired My Neighbor’s Pantry, a local food pantry serving over 1,800 people monthly in Northeast Taney County. The Pantry has been in operation for the past six years, however the building used for its operations has recently been leased to another entity leaving the Pantry in a position to shut its doors. In recent months Gift of Hope’s Board of Directors has been considering expanding its programs to include a food pantry. When they became aware of the situation My Neighbor’s Pantry was facing, the Board recognized an immediate means of expansion through a mutually beneficial acquisition. Gift of Hope founder, Anthony Collier, states, “We saw an opportunity for Gift of Hope to expand its outreach to families in need and are excited about this acquisition and the ways in which we can continue to grow this program in the future.” Gift of Hope, Inc. has been serving the needs of children and families in Taney county for over 20 years. Currently Gift of Hope sponsors programs to provide children with school supplies, food and clothing. In addition, Gift of Hope provides assistance to qualified families in need of help with rent, utilities, food, and Christmas gifts, particularly during the winter months when the need can be the greatest in Taney County. My Neighbor’s Pantry will reopen its doors as a new program of Gift of Hope, Inc. at its new location at 10275 East State Highway 76 in Forsyth on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 under the direction of Robin Collier. The Pantry’s hours of operation will be 12:00-3:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. ### For more information about Gift of Hope’s My Neighbor’s Pantry or how you can help contact Robin Collier at (417) 546-8098