History

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The Open Door has been serving the people of Perquimans County since 1980.

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1980-Established by Nuns Sister Helen Scanlon, Sister Pat Winder, Sister Audrey, Sister Gloria, and Julian Miller of Catholic Social Services of Hertford, NC. The Open Door was first located in the Broughton Building on the corner of Church and Market Street in Hertford. Soon after, it relocated to the Old Ice Plant and Freezer Locker (present location of Hertford Fire Department.

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1985-The Open Door was granted 501(c)3 status by the IRS.  EIN# 58-1492428

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1994-North Carolina recognized the food pantry as a non-profit organization and granted it the status of a corporation.

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July 1996-The Open Door moved to Winfall in the location of J&N Supply Company and Weigh Station

on HWY 37.

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June 2002-The Open Door moved to Apple Tree Mall in Winfall.

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2017-As the needs of the community grew, The Open Door outgrew its location yet again. After 15 years at its previous location, The Open Door began serving clients at 220 D Ocean HWY South in Hertford. This move provided more space for pantry operations, better customer access, and better parking.

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In 2020 The Open Door celebrated its 40th anniversary. 

 

In December 2023 Rosemary Smith "retired" after 19 years of service to The Open Door Food Pantry as the Executive Director and was honored with a reception on December 11 by the Board of Directors and volunteers.

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On January 3, 2024 The Open Door Food Pantry officially moved to their new building and location at 293 Creek Drive in Hertford. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on January 5, 2024 to celebrate the occasion. Dina Hurdle, Board Chair, and Kim Stites, Program Director, workedmany hours to make the new facility and official opening a reality.