BELHAVEN — Martha’s Project’s newly purchased location opened Wednesday.

On April 27, Martha’s Project closed on the purchase of 1014 U.S. Highway 264 East bypass in Belhaven. A building has been a goal for approximately 14 years.

The journey was long and was accomplished through prudent saving, small grants, fundraisers, individual donations and the fact Martha’s is an all-volunteer organization. No one receives a salary or any compensation.

The new building will allow Martha’s to expand its mission “to be a caring community of helping hands, reaching out to meet the physical and spiritual needs of all God’s people in our local area by demonstrating the love of Christ in tangible ways.” Currently, 150-200 families receive monthly food boxes from the pantry. Expansion will allow Martha’s to grow its mission by increasing the food pantry and charitable endeavors, which is funded by the Thrift Store and donations. Martha’s needed space to accomplish these goals. It is truly a good example of how a small group of dedicated volunteers can do great things.

The organization was able to stay under the closing cost budget, despite the fact many of the required repairs were more than anticipated. The board would like to thank the donors. Martha’s also recognizes it has additional costs to retrofit, so the organization needs to continue to watch its pennies. Martha’s is now soliciting volunteers to assist with the renovation.

Please call Mildred Bowman at 252-943-2124 if you would like to help.

Martha’s wants to thank all who worked hard to make this dream a reality. More importantly, Martha’s work is really just beginning.