| MAY 24, 2007 -- Inside Ella Clark's humble office in Town Hall is an even more humble closet. This is "Ella's Pantry" and while Clark isn't exactly sure where it got its name, the closet has become a successful food bank, helping to supply the Older Women's League's (OWL's) Kitchen in Lakeville, which has been helping New York and Connecticut residents since 1990.
"People have been wonderfully generous," Clark said. "[Ella's Pantry] is like a tide: the food comes in and goes out."
Clark has a penchant for helping people, not only as Sharon's social service agent, but in a variety of endeavors she conducts in her own time.
On Thursday evening, May 24, she will be recognized for her contributions to the community, when she will be honored as the Taghhannuck Grange Citizen of the Year.
As social service agent, a position she took over in 1989, Clark serves as municipal agent for the elderly, representative of the Salvation Army, and fuel assistance manager.
In addition to starting Ella's Pantry, Clark has been instrumental in starting many service organizations in the Sharon community. In 1993, Clark created the Northwest Corner Chore Service, now the Chore Service, which helps elderly and disabled residents with work around the house.
She is also a founding member of the board of The Foundation for Community Health. According to its Web site, the foundation "works to create healthier lives for those in greatest need by making grants and developing collaborative projects with health care and social service providers, and local community groups."
Clark has also been appointed as a representative to the Northwest Connecticut Regional Housing Council.
"I'm incredibly honored," Clark said of the Grange's decision to single her out. "I can't think of an organization more committed to the wellness of everyone around them and I'm so pleased to receive this recognition."
There is a potluck dinner at the Grange Hall at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, followed by a program honoring Clark at 7:30 p.m.
The Connecticut State Grange is a fraternal organization with halls across the state.
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