The Little Free Pantry makes a difference for those in need - KEVN Black Hills Fox

The Little Free Pantry makes a difference for those in need - KEVN Black Hills Fox

Rapid City, SD Some of the poorest counties in the nation are in South Dakota - leaving many fighting to survive.

But one Rapid City family is stepping in to make a difference.

In a quiet north Rapid City neighborhood, where mailboxes line the street, one box is a little different than the rest.

Jennifer Reasor said "Whether they're working, not working - everybody's struggling these days to just make ends meet, to just put food on the table and pay those bills."

Studies show nearly 15 percent of South Dakota's population live at or below the poverty line.

So, Jennifer Reasor and her family started The Little Free Pantry - to help others in need.

Black Hills FOX reporter Robert Grant said "So how does it all work? Well it's pretty simple. All you have to do is take what you need, and leave what you can."

Neighbors helping neighbors - with everything from food to supplies.
Tom Reasor said "All kinds of macaroni cheese and soups. All kinds of stuff."

But, until they put out a cooler, only non-pershible foods and no sharp items or clothes.

After a week of work, the family finished the pantry box Friday and is already seeing an outpouring of support from the community.

And, as the sign says 'little becomes much in the Master's hand'.

Jennifer said "It was a great blessing. It's just amazing to see what God can do. You just set something up and don't expect it to be as big as it does."

The Little Free Pantry is never locked and open to anyone 24/7.

Jennifer said "Should be anonymous and people not have to feel ashamed - and just drive up and take what they need."

And it hits close to home for the Reasors.

Tom said "It's something that we struggle with ourselves, so it's good to have something like this in place."

The idea was born after Little Free Libraries popped up across town - where residents can donate and take books.

Kaitlyn Reasor said "It just changed my view on it a little bit after people started coming and bringing stuff. It's just really cool to see that people actually care about it."

The family hopes the idea spreads from here.

Kaitlyn said "I'm hoping that they'll be all over town - that people will put them up in their yard."

Above all, donating a message.

Kaitlyn said "Just have faith. It will all work out."

You can find The Little Free Pantry at 1729 Brentwood Street in Rapid City.