Thank You to All Our Generous Donors!
Our Goal has been Reached in Record Time!
Your donations will be matched up to $5,000 by a generous foundation. With the funds we’ve raised together, we’ll be able to fund all of these items for our food pantry.
- High Payload Cargo Van
- 3-Door Refrigerator
- 3-Door Freezer
- Shelving and Food Prep Table
- Heating Assistance
- Food Purchases
Our deadline was December 31, but your generosity helped us reach our goal by December 9!
Gardner CAC is a registered 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.
2025 Time for Sharing Appeal
Dear Friends of the Gardner CAC,
In the past year, we have been deeply moved by the countless stories of resilience from the families we serve. We’ve seen firsthand how a life can be upended in a single moment—when a medical emergency or an unforeseen crisis shifts everything a family once knew.
Our agency is growing in numbers at a rapid pace, and we are working hard to meet the needs of all those who come to us for assistance. Despite these challenges, we are incredibly proud of what we accomplished together. Your support has allowed us to make a profound impact, and we want to share a snapshot of what we achieved in the past year:
- Nourishing Our Community: We served over 5,097 meals through our prepared meal programs and 11,373 individuals through the food pantry.
- Building a Brighter Future: We distributed 361 new backpacks to equip students for school.
- Care and Compassion: Our team provided 547 medical transports for senior citizens.
- Spreading Holiday Joy: We brought joy to 530 children with Christmas gifts and delivered 304 holiday food baskets to families.
Click on the graphic above to open, download, and print the full letter.
The Backpack Program
The Backpack Program takes place toward the end of every summer. Gardner CAC distributes 200 brand new backpacks to qualifying students grades K-12.
Clothing
The Gardner CAC provides gently used seasonal clothing to those in need at no cost. Through the generous support of the Worcester County Sheriff’s office, over 300 winter coats are distributed annually.
Dinner’s On Us!
Dinner time can be the busiest time for many families. We can help. Gardner CAC offers eligible applicants, healthy, ready-to-cook fresh crockpot dinners. Click on the link above for more information and to apply.
Emergency Assistance
Should you find yourself and your family in dire straits, in need of food, shelter, or clothing, please contact Gardner CAC right away at 978.632.8700.
Food Distribution
Open Monday-Thursday, 10:00 a.m –1:00 p.m., the Gardner CAC food pantry provides groceries to families and individuals in need who reside in Gardner, Ashburnham, Hubbardston, and Westminster.
Fuel Assistance
The cost of home heating during the winter can put a strain on your budget. Older folks and young children are especially at risk when the temperatures drop. If you find yourself unable to pay your utility bills during the winter months, you may be eligible for fuel assistance through the LIHEAP program.
Fellowship Table
Meals served at 4:30 pm from October through May at 294 Pleasant Street in Gardner. Click on the link for more details.
Holiday Programs
During the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday times, the Gardner CAC offers food baskets and children’s toys and gifts for eligible local families and individuals.
Medical Transportation
Transportation to medical appointments, both in town and out of town, is available for seniors citizens age 60+. Our van travels as far as Worcester and Emerson Hospital. This service is available Tuesday–Friday with pickups starting at 8:00 a.m. The van is returned to Gardner by 4:30 p.m.
Gardner CAC's Mission
The Mission of the Gardner Community Action Committee, Inc. is to provide services and resources to those in need.
Our core values:
Respect.
We embrace diversity and treat everyone with kindness and compassion.
Volunteers.
We believe that they are our most valuable asset and that volunteerism is mutually beneficial.
Relationships.
Being responsible with funding, donations and resources helps us to maintain positive relationships in the community and with one another.