About us

Helping Hands of NY is a non-profit, all volunteer organization located in Phoenicia, New York and is a member of The Northeastern Regional Food Bank and The Hudson Valley Food Bank.

George Blank is the founder of Helping Hands of NY Food Pantry. He is a local businessman, an active community service person and currently the President of W.F. Whitney Phoenicia Firehouse. George is regarded as someone with a strong sense of social consciousness. He is a pillar of our community.

Today in our community we face many heart wrenching realities. Many people are unemployed or underemployed. Seniors surviving on social security income often must choose between paying for medication or food. Some families skip meals in order keep a roof over their heads. George Blank felt compelled to respond. Single handedly, with determination, his own resources and many laborious hours, he established Helping Hands of NY Food Pantry in 2007.

George and, his wife, Linda inspired a core group of volunteers, and our organization grew. To date, our distribution site at the W.F. Whitney Phoenicia Firehouse on Route 214 provides groceries to more than 500 individuals and families…and still counting. In the hopes of staving off hunger, we try to provide about three days' worth of supplemental meals, bi-weekly. Most of this help goes to the residents of the town of Shandaken, but in these difficult times, people come to us from as far away as the surrounding towns of Woodstock, Hurley, Olive, Arkville and Tannersville.

Business Support

  • Alamo Cantina
  • Chief Enterprises
  • Emerson Resort & Spa
  • Gene Gormley
  • Hanover Farm Stand
  • Mark Loete Photography
  • Meredith's Bakery
  • Dakin Morehouse
  • Rooster Sound
  • Ulster Savings Bank
  • Ken Umhey Excavating
  • Upstate Signs
  • Varga Gallery

Board of Directors

  • Otia Lee, President
  • Harry Baldwin, Vice President
  • Linda Blank, Treasurer
  • Debi Baldwin, Secretary

George and Linda Blank

Founders George and Linda Blank

bread unloading groceries