Little Free Pantry stocking suggestions

“People often think about the canned items, but less often about personal care items like toothpaste and toothbrushes, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant — also, toilet paper and other paper products. Things for babies and feminine care products. If I kind of think, ‘Gosh, that’s expensive’ when I’m looking at the sticker price in the grocery store, that’s one of the things people need. I think it’s best for you to buy extra of what you’re buying anyway, because if I have to alter my routine in the store too much to stock the box, I’m going to do it less frequently.” — Jessica McClard “Pull tabs on cans, because not everyone has can openers. Sets of plastic utensils, wet wipes, hygiene products. One of the ladies in the church travels extensively and every time she goes to a hotel, she grabs the little sets of shampoo and conditioner. During the school year, sometimes we’ve put crayons, pencils, different things kids can utilize. And when it’s cold out, socks, hats and gloves — different things that could bring comfort to someone.” — Jene Huffman-Gilreath “People leave anonymous notes for anyone who might want to take them — notes of inspiration, solidarity, encouragement or community. The weird thing is those notes are always taken. People leave poetry, letters, stories — they are always gone. [Other useful items include] tampons, sunglasses and books.” — Renata Shelton