A food pantry that helps those in emergency situations recently opened in Tamaqua.

G-Lady’s Community Food Pantry offers food, clothing, toiletries and other necessities from its new 139 W. Broad St. headquarters.

“We are here to offer support in times of urgent need,” said Sharon Stokes, of Stokes Ministries, which founded and sponsors the pantry.

The pantry began as a self-service shed on Green Street in Tamaqua, and its move to the downtown site affords it more space and storage.

Volunteers said it is funded by donations, and doesn’t receive any governmental assistance. It is by-appointment only for those experiencing emergency needs — unlike traditional pantries that offer food distributions on a regular basis.

“We are here for emergent and sudden need,” volunteer Katie Arnold said. “We’re here more for medical emergencies, or something along those lines.”

Those who need temporary, emergency assistance must contact the pantry to set up an appointment.

After filling out paperwork and providing identification, they’re guided to the resources that they need.

For many, Stokes said, that need is food.

“You’re going to get a meal out of the stuff in here,” Stokes said as she opened a door to a room containing pasta, canned goods, spices, baking ingredients, breakfast items and more. It’s all client choice, too.

“When you come here, you tell me what you want,” Stokes said.

That way, she said, people won’t bring home food that they or their children won’t enjoy.

“You get to choose what you will eat,” Stokes said.

The pantry offers condiments, spices and cereal, which are things that people often cut back on when money is tight, Arnold noted.

And depending on donations, G-Lady’s might have some extra variety. For example, Heisler’s Egg Farm in Lewistown Valley recently dropped off 60 dozen eggs, and Kenny Stehr Farms — which has a stand at the Hometown Farmers Market — donated fresh broccoli and corn.

Toiletries like deodorant, soap and feminine products are available, as is clothing in multiple sizes. For the area’s homeless population, prepacked bags containing toothbrushes, wipes and food are available.

Anyone needing emergency help can contact the pantry through Facebook to set up an appointment. Volunteers can offer information about other resources like “traditional” food pantries.

Those who would like to donate in any way may contact the pantry the same way.

“We want people to know we are here because we do need help to help our community,” Stokes said. “We need those donations to come in. I’m not asking you to go out and buy packs of steaks. Go out and buy a couple 10-pound bags of potatoes. I will split them up and we can feed a lot of families.”

At the moment, the pantry is seeking clothing racks and hangers. Stokes said they’re also looking for someone to donate the use a commercial kitchen so volunteers can bake and make items for fundraisers.

The pantry is also holding a 50/50 raffle on Aug. 16. Tickets are available.

Another part of the pantry features a meeting room and tables, which can be rented by groups and organizations.