United Way of Hall County staff and volunteers installed the first Giving Pantry and Library at the Gainesville Salvation Army this week, combining a need for basic supplies with the joy of getting a new book.
The wooden box is sectioned off into four spaces; one section holds books while the other three hold non-perishable food and personal hygiene items.
Jessica Dudley, president of United Way of Hall County, said nonprofit staff have recently seen a need for such items in the community.
“Throughout the past year, we have really been trying to get supplies out to the community, whether that be cleaning supplies, masks, just various items,” said Dudley. “We’ve obviously seen some who have been unemployed and unable to access different items, whether that be financially or transportation, but really [the pantry] was to meet the need.”
Dudley said members of the Wisdom 2030 project led the way in the design and construction of the pantry. Home Depot awarded a grant to United Way that went toward purchasing the building supplies.
While the pantry has only been open a few days, Dudley said the nearby community has already made use of it.
“We have actually had to go in and refill it four times already,” she said. “I am definitely trying to encourage the community that if they are out and about and can, stop by and add items to it.”
The pantry is painted blue with the words, “Toma lo que necesites, Deja lo que puedas,” written in white paint across the front. The Spanish phrase translates to, “Take What You Need, Leave What You Can” in English.
Dudley said there are plans to install two more pantries at the Mill Street Apartments and Melrose Apartments in the coming months, reaching a larger portion of the community in need.
“Our mission is to improve lives in our community…as we see a need arise, we’re going to do our best to help meet that need to help bring the community and the different resources together and really just be that collaborator or glue,” she said.
United Way of Hall County is currently seeking donations for the pantries. Donations can be dropped off at the nonprofit’s office, located at 527 Oak Street. Donations can also be place inside the pantry if supplies are running low.
Food donations must be nonperishable and sealed. Anyone with questions about donations or the pantry can also call United Way of Hall County at 770-536-1121.
