REDFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A Redford Township food pantry that feared it might have to close its doors this winter is getting a major lifeline — thanks to a Local 4 news story and the union workers it inspired to act.
Redford Interfaith Relief had been struggling with a failing heating system since late winter.
The pantry, which serves families in need, managed to keep operating by bundling up and relying on portable heaters.
But with a volunteer staff made up largely of seniors, that was never going to be a lasting fix.
The repair bill is estimated at more than $100,000.
The pantry had raised roughly $60,000 toward that goal, with support from the Margaret Dunning Foundation — but the gap felt daunting.
Then came the phone call that changed everything.
After seeing Local 4’s original report, Pipefitters Local 636 and BeneSys reached out to offer their help. Jake Regits of Pipefitters Local 636 described the moment the plan came together.
“Darris contacted me when he saw the newscast, and I said, ' Man, what a great opportunity to give back to the community and it kind of took off from there,” Regits said.
For Sarah Goad, team director at Redford Interfaith Relief, the outpouring of support was almost too much to put into words.
“I don’t know what to say. This is more than I could’ve ever expected,” Goad said.
The relief was immediate and visceral.
“I feel 40 pounds lighter,” she said.
Regits made clear that the partnership felt like a natural fit.
“You’re taking care of the community, and we love giving back, so this should be a good partnership,” he said.
The good news rippled through the pantry quickly — reaching not just the volunteer staff, but the families who depend on it.
“It’s owed to them. They’re helping us, so someone should help them,” said James Grobe, a pantry shopper. “They care, they talk to you, it’s just different here.”
For Goad, that kind of response reaffirms the work her team puts in every day.
“We’re doing this for a reason, and people see that reason. It convinces me that we’re on the right path, we’re doing the best things, and the small grassroots efforts can have the biggest impact,” she said.
Workers are still coordinating a date to assess the heating system on-site, but that visit is expected before the end of the month.
“The relief that our story was heard and received by someone who can really make an impact and help us get this done, even faster than we ever imagined,” Goad said.