GC&M News introduced Landsborough resident Shirley King to our readers earlier this year when she decided to set up a free neighbourhood pantry service outside her home called Free Pantry – Landsborough.
Using a converted fridge recently painted in bright eye-catching colours by Beerwah community artist Katrina Odgers, Shirley said the service was set up to be accessible 24/7 to provide a little extra assistance for people in need.
“We’re located at the end of a street with an easy turning circle, so people can just drive or walk down, and grab a few items to get them through until next pay day, or to just to get them through the week,” Shirley said.
The community response has been both supportive and generous, with regular donations of non-perishable food and personal care items.
Items can be placed in a specially marked box located outside Shirley’s house. “Any pantry items that can genuinely help others are gratefully accepted,” she said.
Originally the idea was to have long-life food, such as canned and packet items, canned fruit, pastas and UHT milk, and toiletries stocked in the top section of the fridge with a book library at the bottom.
However, in recent weeks, Shirley decided to offer a small toy library service instead of books and has found toys in good condition are always popular.
“As well as now offering some small toys, with winter here we also thought we’d start putting out some warm clothing items such as beanies, socks and scarves, which will all be offered with the same motto – please take what you need, just leave some for others,” Shirley said.
The free pantry is located at 21a Toorbul Street, Landsborough. To find out more, go to the Facebook page www.facebook.com/Free-Pantry-Landsborough-102983385119657
