Little Free Pantry in Hinton to offer items for those in need - Beckley Register-Herald

Little Free Pantry in Hinton to offer items for those in need - Beckley Register-Herald

Beginning Monday, Hinton residents will have a new way to help their neighbors by using the new Little Free Pantry, making snacks, food and personal items available to those in need. 

REACHH Family Resource Center will be installing a Little Free Pantry at its location on Temple Street in Hinton Monday, after it grew  from the “Stand Up for Kindness” Week activities that took place Oct. 13-21.

According to REACHH officials, Stand Up for Kindness was the brain child of several members of the Summers County Huddle.  

One of the many activities that week was a food drive to provide some extra food to folks in the community. Out of that distribution, the group decided to make food available year round.

The Little Free Pantry has a simple concept: Anyone may place and take items inside the pantry at any time — and that’s it. 

Shalom Tazewell, one of the leaders in the Summers County Huddle, said the effort will provide residents with opportunities to demonstrate the core values of a community: kindness, compassion and respect for others. 

Since the pantry is located outside, families will have access to it all the time. Since the box is also in close proximity to Summers County Middle School, officials will stock it with supplies and other goodies for children. 

REACHH staff will keep the shelves stocked with donated canned fruit, vegetables, meats, cereals, soups, peanut butter, crackers and snacks. 

Officials said community members are encouraged to take what they need, but to also consider their neighbors who also might require some help.

Anyone can donate food by simply opening the door of the cabinet and adding their own contributions.  

The Pantry itself was built and donated by Michael Sizemore of Athens. 

“Giving back every chance you get is important,” Sizemore said. “I also hope that it will inspire others to do something for their community as well.”

Email: jnelson@register-herald.com;

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