NORTH SALT LAKE — Most people who drive by the old Card Sharks business next to Orchard Bowl here don’t even realize there’s a food pantry there.

City leaders and pantry volunteers hope to change that.

The Center of Hope has been operated by the Daughters of Charity affiliated with St. Olaf Catholic Church in Bountiful for five years.

The center serves those in need in the North Salt Lake area, which statistics indicate number about 500 individuals. “We take care of the people who fall between the cracks,” said Sister Germaine Sarrazin, manager of the pantry.

In addition to the North Salt Lake area, the pantry gives food to an at-risk school in Salt Lake City, Sarrazin said.

The center, at 18 S. 130 East, is operated by Sarrazin, and a group of volunteers, mainly from the Daughters of Charity and some “gentlemen of charity,” who aren’t affiliated with the international organization.

They provide not only food, but clothing and furniture as well. The pantry is open the second Saturday of the month from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The center receives donations, and works with the Bountiful Community Food Pantry and the Utah Food Bank to fill in when supplies get low.

Because so many don’t even know the center exists, the staff is working with North Salt Lake City to spread the word, not only of what they can provide to those in need, but what they need as well.

“Our computer is a dinosaur,” Sarrazin said, and they currently keep track of orders and records on a volunteer’s home computer.

They also need a commercial grade refrigerator. “Right now we can only give out dried and canned foods,” Sarrazin said.

They also need a new sign, so those who need help, or who can offer it can find the pantry..

North Salt Lake Mayor Len Arave, who, with other community leaders, met with Sarrazin and some of her staff Monday, said the city would work with the center to post information on the city’s website.

Additionally, volunteers will contact principals of schools in North Salt Lake, as well as churches to let them know of the center’s services.

Sarrazin said the center received a donation from Serta mattress company of mattresses which were factory seconds.

They were a popular item.

But there are donations the center can’t accept —used mattresses among them. Other items they won’t accept include televisions and computers.

The center is a non-profit organization which doesn’t charge for items it gives away. Sarrazin emphasizes it helps those in need without discrimination.

Those who wish more information, who need help, or can donate may call Sister Germaine Sarrazin 801-706-3101.

mwilliams@davisclipper.com