On a quiet street in Clearfield, Utah, behind the doors of an unassuming building, hundreds of families receive food and hope.

At the heart of it all is Dr. Ron Brown, Senior Pastor of New Hope Fellowship and founder of the Hope Center. What started in September of 2012 has now grown into a dual-floor facility, top being service and bottom being food pantry, serving more than 1,000 people monthly.

“We exist to serve the hungry, the hurting, and the hope-seeking,” Brown said, echoing the mission that guides the center’s outreach. “We don’t just want to talk about love – we want to show it.”

Unlike many programs focused solely on the deeply impoverished, the Hope Center fills a unique gap. “We call them the working poor,” Brown said. “These are families who make too much to qualify for government assistance, but not enough to afford basic needs.”

The center operates on a “pack and go” model, distributing pre-packed boxes and bags of food every Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and during a large-scale event on the third Saturday of each month from 1 to 4 p.m. Their biggest challenge isn't the food – it’s access. Many families can’t afford gas to drive long distances for assistance, which is why the Hope Center’s central location is so important.

“Cars are getting nicer,” Brown said, “but the need is still there. Inflation doesn’t discriminate.”

A holiday mission: Children of Hope

During the holidays, the center’s most beloved outreach is Children of Hope, an annual gift giveaway serving up to 500 kids.

Every December, volunteers pack and wrap gift bags filled with puzzles, plush toys, coloring books, candy canes, and Hot Wheels – items often costing $40 to $50 per child if bought individually. “We buy in bulk and stretch every dollar,” Brown said. “Still, with prices rising, even that’s getting harder. This year, we’ll serve 400 children instead of 500.”

All gifts are given secretly – parents pick them up alone, allowing children to believe they came directly from their own families. “We believe parents should get the honor and God should get the glory,” Brown said. “There’s something beautiful about preserving that dignity.”

The project operates without grants or big-name sponsors. “We have no salaried staff,” he said. “Everything’s volunteer-run. That means when someone donates $100, nearly all of it goes straight to families.”

A story rooted in experience

Brown’s commitment is deeply personal. He immigrated from Jamaica in 1980, hungry and homeless after the sudden death of his father. He later served 27 years in the U.S. Air Force and still works on base as an analyst. “I know what it’s like to be without,” he said. “That’s why I do this.”

From offering Thanksgiving dinners and back-to-school drives to food and spiritual support, the Hope Center is more than a pantry – it’s a lifeline.

But with the holidays fast approaching, their needs are growing. “We need volunteers. We need sponsors. We need Hot Wheels,” Brown said. “And we always need hope.”

Want to help this holiday season?
Donate or volunteer:
Text 801-737-HOPE or 385-490-8090
Follow New Hope Fellowship or contact the Hope Center directly to contribute.