During kindergarten, we were taught that ‘sharing is caring’. Even though we didn’t like it, our parents made us share our favourite toys with our siblings and teachers urged us to share our crayons with our classmates. Between the coronavirus fear and empty grocery store shelves (thanks to panic buying) we somehow forgot that lesson.
But the Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based Gall Family still remembers. Terry Uribe Gall posted about her family’s helpful endeavour by explaining, “So, my parents decided to open a little FREE pantry in their front yard. The idea came from the front yard Library exchange boxes.”
Here’s the “Gall Pantry” located on 78th and Beloit across from McCarty Park open 24/7 ❤️
She added,
“I thought was a great idea, but didn’t think it would last long. I thought someone would come along and take everything or vandalize it. (They have had Halloween and Xmas decorations vandalized numerous times). Well, it grew. Not only did people respect the Take What You Need aspect, others left even more. Some kind soul donated some cash and my Dad put it to good use. He bought a tent and tables.
However, they did run into some minor trouble when someone informed the Health Department. They decided not to accept fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, milk etc and keep going with packaged food, juice, soda, shampoo, soap, sanitary products etc.
Yesterday, they added some candy and stuffed toys for kids to enjoy on Easter Sunday through donations from the community. They asked people not to bring their children and maintain 6 feet distance at all times.
Everyone agrees that this is the most heartwarming and wholesome thing to do in these uncertain times because it restores our faith in humanity and shows us that we’re not alone.
Thank you, Gall family for inspiring us to help in whatever small way we can, be it cooking a meal our apartment security guard or even refraining from haggling with vegetable vendors.