Carlos Tejeda’s birthday party was supposed to be a surprise, but when he walked into the room inside and the applause began, he confessed he had sensed something was up. Even at 96 years old, Tejeda still managed to dig into a monster slice of cake, pose for photos and receive hugs.

While celebrating the first anniversary of The Pantry of Broward Inc., a Fort Lauderdale-based agency that provides support services to low-income seniors, employees also took the opportunity to celebrate Tejeda’s 96th birthday. A former doctor from Guatemala, Tejeda was The Pantry’s first client when it opened a year ago, said Bruce Harris, director of development.

The agency, founded by philanthropists Elizabeth Buntrock and Catherine Loughan, operates out of a building on Northwest Third Avenue in the city’s Progresso neighborhood. The long, low building, across the street from the Gospel Arena Day Care, is covered with white paint so clean and fresh it practically gives off light.

At the rear of the building is a bay for delivery vans and a walk-in refrigerator and freezer. Shelves are lined with donated food: ramen noodles, rice, chicken and peanut butter.

“[The founders] saw all these seniors standing in long lines at other organizations, just waiting for food, and thought, ‘This is uncivilized,’?” said Cindy Mallay, development coordinator.

“There are over 30,000 seniors in Florida living below the poverty line,” Mallay said. Many seniors, she said, receive Social Security, but the amount is based on their incomes from decades ago. Most have also outlived their savings.

Six paid staff members and about 200 volunteers work to provide food, medical help, and eye care services, as well as assistance in obtaining government services such as Medicaid and food stamps. Working out of The Pantry’s 8,000-square-foot office, case managers meet with clients and evaluate program eligibility.

The agency currently serves about 350 seniors around Broward County, many of whom are on a fixed income of less than $800 a month or are economically challenged grandparents who are the principal care providers for grandchildren.

“I get to meet every client who comes in,” said Bernie McGlinchy, 51, of Hallandale, manager of The Pantry. “Sometimes it’s heartbreaking. Most of the time it’s rewarding. Often they come in crying but leave happy.”

Volunteers prepare boxes of donated food weighing about 55 pounds, of which clients receive one box each month. The agency can also help provide legal aid and access to cash assistance programs.

As for Tejeda, he still manages to keep himself involved in The Pantry’s work.

“He offers emotional support and medical guidance to others,” Harris said. “He gives back.”

Become a fan on Facebook. Just click.