Press Release from Madison Community Services

Madison Community Services (MCS) proudly announces that it is renaming its food pantry to be called the Pauline Baldwin Food Pantry. This change is a tribute to a remarkable woman whose legacy has been a beacon of hope and support for the Madison community.

A Tribute to Pauline Baldwin’s Legacy

Baldwin, a longtime resident of Madison, faced considerable adversity in her life. After her husband left her with small children, Baldwin struggled to provide for her family. In an act of immense courage and love, she made the difficult decision to give her children up for adoption, ensuring they would have a better life.

Despite these challenges, including living with a handicap and, in later years, being hard of hearing, Baldwin displayed remarkable resilience and community spirit. Known for her modest lifestyle in her Railroad Avenue home, without a car, Baldwin often traveled by bike or on foot, frequently assisted by members of the local Lions Club.

In 1991, Baldwin surprised everyone by making the Madison Lions Club the beneficiary of her estate. This generous act led to an unexpected bequest of $61,516.80 in 1995 which was designated to feed the hungry in Madison. This contribution has since played a vital role in supporting the operations of MCS.

The Lions Club and MCS: A Partnership in Action

The Madison Lions Club demonstrated foresight and stewardship by forming an investment club to manage these funds. From 1995 to 2018, the club distributed over $72,000 to MCS while the investment grew to $80,985. In 2018, the Lions Club entrusted MCS with the Pauline Baldwin separate account, reinforcing a long-standing partnership between the two organizations. This collaboration has seen the Lions assist in various MCS initiatives, including driving clients to appointments and volunteering at the food pantry.

The Evolution of the MCS Food Pantry

The food pantry, initially a modest operation in a small closet at social services, has grown significantly over the years. Relocating to the First Congregational Church under the leadership of then-co-presidents Carol Bohling and Mary Ann Martin in 2006, it expanded its capacity and services to include perishable items. Under the current president, Cheryl T. Campbell, the pantry moved to a commercial facility in April 2011, transforming into a mini-market that offers a wider variety of fresh food and vegetables.

Renaming the Food Pantry: A Community-Inspired Decision

The decision to rename the MCS Food Pantry came from a deep desire to honor Baldwin's legacy and clarify MCS's role in the community. Madison residents have often misunderstood the pantry as a town service which is entirely funded by donations. Inspired by Baldwin’s story, board member Rose McLaughlin suggested renaming the pantry in Baldwin’s honor.

The Ongoing Mission of MCS

Founded in 1930, MCS is a testament to community-driven support and volunteerism. Independent of local, state, or federal funding, the organization has continually served Madison's residents through various programs, including the holiday food basket program.

A Future Inspired by the Past

Renaming the food pantry is more than a symbolic gesture. It is a commitment to continuing Baldwin's vision of caring for those in need. Her legacy lives on in the pantry's name and the daily operations and outreach of MCS, ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry.