BUXTON – Shelves are mostly bare this week at Buxton Community Cupboard, which will close next week and possibly relocate, though no one knows exactly when.

The cupboard has been in space donated by the Plummer family for about a decade at Bonny Eagle Plaza. But a sign in a window this week at the cupboard said it is closing on Saturday, March 15.

“We fed approximately 150-175 people a month and it will be a big loss to the community,” said a food pantry volunteer, Pat VanBetuw.

Another local food pantry, Buxton Community Food Co-op, is poised to help feed more of Buxton’s hungry.

“We can handle it,” said Joann Groder, director of the Buxton Community Food Co-op, now operating out of a shed at her home at 262 Haines Meadow Road in Buxton.

Gwen Hatch, Buxton Community Cupboard president, said on Tuesday the cupboard would likely move to a two-car garage behind the Buxton Centre Baptist Church on Long Plains Road (Route 22).

“We’re almost positive,” Hatch said about its prospective new site. “The Plummers have been awfully good to us.”

The cupboard has occupied space rent-free in the same plaza as Plummer’s Shop’n Save, at the intersection of routes 22 and 112. Cindy Plummer of Plummer’s store said on Tuesday the company needs the cupboard’s space to locate its corporate office.

“We feel terrible,” Cindy Plummer said.

The cupboard is not replenishing bare shelves at its present location.

One of about 14 Buxton Community Cupboard volunteers, Joann Brown of Standish said on Tuesday that people have depended on the cupboard. This week, shelves had only some canned goods, peanut butter and beans.

“The cupboards are bare,” said Brown, who grew up in Westbrook.

Brown said one young woman with two children about ages 6 and 8 recently touched her heart when she asked what they needed.

“A little boy spoke up and said, ‘Anything for supper,’” Brown said.

The cupboard has served all age brackets, including many elderly.

“A lot live on Social Security,” said Hatch, a Buxton native.

Groder’s co-op is open from 9:30-10 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Groder said she opens at 9 a.m. to serve those age 80 and up along with the handicapped. The co-op is open to anyone.

Groder said the harsh weather has impacted many families.

“It’s bad, it really is,” Groder said about conditions.

Before the Community Cupboard can reopen in the two-car garage, Hatch said work needed to be accomplished. It needs a wooden floor installed and a heating system. The cupboard is hoping for a Monitor heater.

Hatch said two electricians will volunteer their time to help make the garage suitable. The cupboard has a refrigerator and three freezers, but needs to replace one.

“We have to use a broom to prop it open,” Hatch said.

The cupboard has purchased some supplies from Good Shepherd Food Bank in Biddeford and has received free items from York County Food Rescue. Hatch said the Gorham Post Office picks up donations and Buxton elementary school children help.

Students from the nearby Living Waters Church school take bags of food to the cupboard and Plummer’s donates groceries.

“We run this place on donations,” Hatch said.

Brown said the Narragansett No. 1 Foundation donated a van the cupboard utilizes to pick up food. “It’s been a big help when we go to Good Shepherd,” Hatch said.

In addition to food items, the cupboard has handled hygiene items like toothpaste.

Food pantry users are qualified at the Buxton Town Hall, which issues a yellow card good for a once-a-month visit. Brown enjoys greeting people at the cupboard door and she said patrons are appreciative.

“The older people are excellent,” Brown said.

A CLOSER LOOK

The Buxton Community Cupboard, Bonny Eagle Plaza, is open from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Fridays. It will close March 15. For more information or to contribute, call 642-2396.

Buxton Community Food Co-op, 262 Haines Meadow Road, is open from 9:30-10 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. For more information, call 929-8806.

Buxton Community Cupboard is closing on March 15 and shelves are bare. Pictured are volunteer Joann Brown, left, and Gwen Hatch, president of the cupboard, which plans to relocate.