At first it was meant to be just a clearing house for all of the community’s humanitarian efforts.
The Clearinghouse was established in 1981. It was worth it to visit Aurora, Indiana to be a part of this! I soak it all in, delighted by the warm smiles, cheerful voices, holiday hats and Christmas music. “I am so glad to meet you,” she says as we hug.
I am greeted by Karry Hollan, Executive Director of the pantry. As I walk through the doorway I find myself in a big cheerful room with a vaulted ceiling, festive with brightly colored Christmas decorations and bustling with excited shoppers and helpers. I hurry into the building, my scarf pulled tightly around me, bracing against the whistling, arctic gust. A gentleman in a Santa hat loading bags of groceries into the trunk of a car waves enthusiastically and wishes me a Merry Christmas as I emerge from my car. The Clearinghouse Pantry in Aurora, Indiana sits atop a tiny hill, slightly removed from the street.
