Community
13 November, 2024
Community pantry for those in need
A COMMUNITY pantry has been set up outside the Simpson and District Community Centre.
Centre coordinator Debra Smith said the pantry was located at the entrance way to the centre and was available 24 hours a day for the community.
“It’s here 24 hours a day; if someone is in need they can come and help themselves,” she said.
“It’s not locked and there’s a sensor light so people can see at night.”
The pantry has been stocked with a variety of non-perishable items to stock a pantry, as well as some toiletry products and a tub of pet food which sits beside the pantry.
Mrs Smith said the community had been supportive of the idea.
“The school is going to supply cereal for it,” she said.
“We got a donation earlier in the year from the Simpson and District Lions Club and we’ve decided to put some of that money in the pantry and then we’ve got some very generous donations from the community.
“We will monitor what gets used before buying more so we only have what’s needed.
“The reaction has been really positive.”
Mrs Smith encouraged any member of the community who was in need to make use of the pantry.
“People might use it once or they might use it regularly – it’s just there if it’s needed,” she said.
“It’s not a hand out, it’s a hand up. Everyone goes through periods of hardship.”
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