Grandma's Free Pantry Opens In Ellington

The Town of Ellington Human Services Department held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday for “Grandma’s Pantry” which is located in front of that department’s office at 21 Arbor Way, Ellington.

Williamson’s family members and several town dignitaries were on hand and four of her great grandchildren served as ribbon cutters for the ceremony.

The Pantry was built with donations made after the death of long-time Ellington Resident and community activist Estelle Williamson, who passed away at the age of 90 in December of 2017. The idea was the brainchild of Joy Hollister, Director of Human Services, and The Board of Selectmen gave the green light for Williamson’s family to spearhead the project. The structure, modeled after the “little free library” concept, was built by local resident Barry Lanz and painted by Ellington artist Maryellen Trueb.

The pantry is now stocked with a variety of nonperishable food items and a limited supply of everyday hygiene and household supplies such as dish detergent, laundry soap, toothpaste, shampoo and disposable diapers/wipes. There is a list of acceptable items attached to the door of the pantry.

The goal of Grandma’s Pantry is to assist those in need of basic necessities in an anonymous fashion and during hours when the Human Services Department is not open. Those in need can access it at any hour of any day. Donations can be placed inside the structure, which is easily accessible from the parking lot at 21 Arbor Way.