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A woman has set up a community pantry at the front of her house in Hull to help people who are struggling and needing food. <\/p>\n
Sarah Dolan set up the Avenues and Dukeries Community Pantry using a cabinet donated by a Perth Street neighbour.<\/p>\n
She said it was quickly filled with food and toiletries after an “amazing” response from the community.<\/p>\n
Ms Dolan said: “How many people have just got stuff sat at the back of their cupboards? Rather than it going to waste, it might as well help someone who needs some food.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
On a sign made by her friends, the message on the cabinet reads: “Community Pantry: Please take what you need. Community is helping where we can”.<\/p>\n
Items in the pantry so far include sanitary towels, baby food, teabags, dog food and beans.<\/p>\n
Ms Dolan said she had seen a similar idea for a community pantry online which sparked her interest to set up her own.<\/p>\n
After posting about the pantry on social media to let people know it was there, she said it “went a bit nuts”.<\/p>\n
“Within five minutes of me putting it on Facebook, one of the neighbours was out putting stuff in it.<\/p>\n
“In less than half a day, we must have had between about five to 10 people come and make donations.<\/p>\n
“One person came who said she’s been struggling and this would really help her.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
She said: “It’s not me making it work, it’s the community. The response was just straight away.<\/p>\n
“Everyone’s been amazing.<\/p>\n
“One of the reasons I wanted to do this is it’s a no questions asked, no judgement, it’s just there if you need it.”<\/p>\n
Ms Dolan said she wants other people to set up their own pantries to keep the momentum going.<\/p>\n
Comments on Ms Dolan’s Facebook post about the pantry include “what a lovely idea” and “hope people won’t be greedy with it and take when they don’t need”.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n