For big projects — as well as for small — every dollar counts. 

Damien's Place Food Pantry has raised all but $365,000 of its $2.2 million goal for a new food pantry building. Now, it's launching a pair of campaigns to finish out the rest. 

"We're so close to achieving what was only a dream — finding a forever home for Damien's and becoming a true community pantry in the fight against hunger and food insecurity for thousands in our area," said Rhonda Veugen, the pantry's development lead. 

Damien's Place started raising funds for the new location at 242 Marion Road in the fall of 2022. This past summer, it cleared the lot and started construction on the new building. 

"The building is 90% complete," said Veugen. The success of the capital campaign up until this point has funded the construction of the building's frame, including a freezer and a refrigerator each big enough to store pallets of food and several loading docks. 

The remaining money-to-be-raised will fund the building's furnishings, including shelving, flooring and the equipment for community gardens. 

Damien's Place has launched two campaigns to “help bring us home” and raise the remaining amount, according to Veugen. 

A 20-for-20 campaign asks companies, foundations or individuals to pledge $20,000 over two years; this campaign has received two pledges so far. The other campaign calls for smaller donations from any member of the community willing to give; donations can be made at the pantry's website or by check to P.O. Box 730, East Wareham, MA, 02538. 

Once finished, the size of the new building and its open floor plan will allow for Damien's Place to help the community in new ways. 

At the pantry's current location, people who need food receive pre-packaged bundles without the opportunity to choose what they get. 

"The main reason why we built this pantry is that we're completely changing that," said Veugen. Guests will get to walk through shelves and tables of food with a shopping cart, just like at any other store, picking out the food they need. 

In addition, the expanded space will let the pantry partner with other organizations to offer other services to people in need. 

"We want to aspire to do as much as we can for families in need," said Veugen.