WINDHAM -- ON ANY GIVEN MONDAY, Shepherd’s Pantry is abuzz with activity. Leading the action is 79-year-old Lila Bailey, recipient of the first Windham Terrace Senior Service Award.

Bailey seemed to be a natural choice for the honor when the Windham Terrace Assisted Living Facility contacted Laurie Johnson, Shepherd’s Pantry coordinator, about nominating a volunteer.

“She was the first person that came to my mind,” Johnson said. “She’s the longest-serving volunteer that we have.”

Shepherd’s Pantry was started in 1992 by the Windham Presbyterian Church and St. Matthew’s Church but is now run independently with the help of community donations. Any New Hampshire resident requiring assistance can receive one or two bags of groceries every other week, plus meat, bread, seasonal vegetables and personal items.

The organization has been blessed by local community organizations, churches and schools that support the work of the pantry, Johnson said. Gardeners have even been known to drop off extra produce.

“It’s a very generous community,” Johnson said. “That’s the reason for our success.”

Bailey has lived in Windham for 43 years and raised her children here. She began volunteering at Shepherd’s Pantry when its doors first opened over 20 years ago. As a widow working part time, Bailey decided she had a few extra hours a week to spend giving back to the community.

“We had about six families when we started,” Bailey said.

Roughly 80 volunteers now serve more than 100 families weekly at the food pantry. People are allowed to come back every other week and receive a food order based on the number and age of residents in each household.

Bailey is involved in every step of the process, even bringing bundles out to cars in a black shopping cart affectionately called her “Cadillac” due to its smooth handling. Food pantry visitors and volunteers alike are greeted with the same broad smile and sense of humor. It’s not work, Bailey insists. Over the years she has made friends, has fun, and looks forward to coming each week.

“If I can put one foot in front of the other, I’ll stay here,” Bailey said.

Shepherd’s Pantry and Bailey each received $500 as part of the service award. Bailey immediately donated her portion to the food pantry. The money will be used to purchase eggs and other food items.

Melanie Purcell, program director at Windham Terrace Assisted Living Facility, said Bailey was an excellent choice to receive their first Senior Service Award. The award will be presented bi-annually to let charities and volunteers know their work is appreciated.

“I was very excited,” Purcell said. “She’s such a worthy person to receive an award like this.”

Purcell knows Bailey through her volunteer work at Windham Terrace Assisted Living Facility, where she provides communion with St. Matthew’s Church. Bailey is a wonderful woman who always goes above and beyond, Purcell said.

“I’m just happy to recognize not only volunteers, but seniors who are still active within their lives and are giving back to other people,” Purcell said.

jhanson@newstote.com