This past year was tough on a lot of people in a lot of different ways.

One local man saw his neighbors in need and stepped up in a big way to help them.

Jerry Pilachowski was just a businessman making signs at his company, Creation Cabinetry & Sign Co. when COVID hit.

After seeing the effects of shutdowns and quarantines on his own and others’ jobs, he decided to take action.

He decided to go to buy a tent and some food and set up a “shop” on the side of the road. founding the Red Lion Free Food Pantry. This food pantry offered a place for people to pick up food or to donate to those in need. 

The pantry had several setbacks in the early days including vandalism and some complaints, but they eventually moved to the back parking lot of Living Word Church. The vandalism cases caught the attention of the York Dispatch. 

For as many challenges, there were also positives and those willing to help.

Dallastown Intermediate School held a food drive to show support, and no one was more giving than Pilachowski himself. 

He spent many weeks filling the pantry with items that they were running short of with his own money.

While he expects nothing in return but smiles and families that are full. 

But that has not stopped them. 

Pilachowski said it often took an emotional toll, “the emotional toll you know? Hearing some of those stories just makes you want to  sob.” 

He said the best part was just the joy of helping people and knowing that he was making a difference in the world.

Volunteers remarked that they just loved to help people and make a difference

Pilachowski also helped to set up Red Lion’s free little library. And has returned to sign-making as well as far as known while still doing this life-changing project. 

This local businessman has definitely stepped up to the plate when it comes to helping out the community. He has helped the community to stand back up on its two feet after this nasty wave of illness.

At the height of the pandemic, the pantry had 10 volunteers and was serving roughly 50 families a day, but as things began to reopen, there didn’t seem to be as much of a need.

“It was a lot busier, then our numbers just dropped,”  remarked Jennifer Grimm. 

However, this big-hearted pantry has closed as of May 15 to the public. After further discussion, they had been open a few weeks after, so the rest of the food does not go to waste. 

Things like this bring a community together and tighter-knit. As sad as it is to see such a good cause come to an end, Mr. Pilachowski has helped the community stand back on its own. 

As the Living Word website states, “Thank you for serving those in need in our community during the past year!”