Local cafe honors namesake with food pantry donation

SALEM -- A local cafe has made a donation to the Salem Food Pantry in memory of its namesake.

Margaret's Coffee House made a donation of $300 to the Salem Food Pantry Tuesday afternoon in honor of the Coffee House's namesake Margaret Shivers on what would have been her 101st birthday. General Manager Olivia Hopfenziz said that the business' owner Paul Shivers had founded the cafe in her memory on what would have been his mother's 100th birthday.

"They decided to open a coffee shop because she cared so much about hospitality, welcoming people in and giving them a place to relax, and on her 101st birthday they decided to donate 20% of the day's profits to helping those in need in her memory," said Hopfenziz.

Salem Food Pantry Director Marya Moore said that she was grateful for the cafe's support as the pantry continued its vital community outreach.

"It's really a very big help to us at the pantry. We're always looking to help and be involved in the community and any help like this is always truly appreciated. We survive off community support," said Moore.

While Margaret's Coffee Shop has only been at its current location at 1440 Franklin Ave. for about three months, they're already looking to continue their support of local non-profits and those community members that are in need. Hopfenziz said that they would be collecting school supplies in partnership with Salem's own The Brightside Project until Aug. 18 as part of their annual back to school efforts. Hopfenziz said that anyone who made a donation of new school supplies would receive 10% off their purchase as thanks for their support of those in need.