Have you donated to your local little food pantry?

How can you volunteer and help others at a time that it's dangerous to be out in public?   I am fortunate to live near two tiny little neighborhood food pantries located outside buildings on the street, and it's easy to pull up at any time and put in items to help others, no contact needed.  We weren't able to continue our elementary reading tutoring program this year, so this is one way I can still help some children.

When you search the Internet for little food pantry, you'll find photos of filled and colorful pantries.  I hadn't been finding many items still in the pantries I visit until the last week or so--usually they are bare except for maybe a few books or a leftover can of something harder to use (evaporated milk, one time).   Although I have mostly put food and snacks in, I have seen other interesting things others have left, such as small children's toys that are in great shape but not in the original package.

My dentist sends a toothbrush and small toothpaste and floss home with me when I get my teeth cleaned, and I've been leaving those in the pantry, one set at a time.  I also have some packaged plastic silverware that comes with take-out food that I have put in. I have put in single rolls of toilet paper, wrapped bars of soap, and small packages of wipes.  As the weather gets colder, gloves and socks will be helpful.

Consider what you're trying to do, and this will inform your gifts.  Are you helping a hungry child with a snack to take the edge off hunger?  Are you trying to feed a family?  Do you just want to brighten someone's day a little?  I keep a small plastic tub (yes, a Longaberger Basket would be perfect!) to hold my contributions in back of my vehicle and pick up extra items while I am shopping each week.

I have mostly put in packages of snack crackers with cheese or peanut butter, pop-top cans of Beanie-Weenies, pork & beans, chili, and beefy mac, Ramen noodle packages, small peel-top containers of fruit, containers of peanut butter, and different types of baby food.  I'm watching for sale items and new ideas.

Many thanks to whomever put up the little pantries in these two rural southwest Missouri communities.  They clearly have a heart for others.  It would be nice if there was information inside about other places for these folks to find assistance this winter.  Reminding children to "pay it forward" for their snacks by being kind to their parents or teachers would be good, too.