PORTSMOUTH — Clients of Gather are so inspired by the nonprofit’s new Community Food Center, with its grocery-store-style feel, they want to become volunteers, too.

Anne Hayes, executive director of Gather, watched as a young mother of two who was astounded upon entering the new facility at 124 Heritage Ave.

Immediately, the mother offered to help out at Gather in the future, Hayes said.

“She walked in the door, looked around, turned to me and said, ‘I can't even believe you all have done this. You kept me alive for two years when I was in a Haven shelter, and I had nowhere to turn for food. You guys kept me alive during that time. I can't even believe you built something like this for people like me,’” Hayes said.

Formerly the Seacoast Family Food Pantry, Gather moved to its West Ro

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