The ‘Kindness Closet’ open anytime for those in need
ST. MARYS - In an effort to bring more free nonperishable food to those in need in the area, a food pantry was recently set up outside New Horizons Healthy Foods on Brusselles Street.
The little food pantry, called the ‘Kindness Closet,’ was established a few weeks ago to create a centrally located pantry within the St. Marys area.
According to New Horizons owner, Julia Kopp, she and several of her nephews and their friends established what they call the ‘Kindness Club’ meeting at the store to plan for other acts of community kindness.
“The library has one (food pantry) and one of the churches has one and I just thought maybe we should have one centrally located,” Kopp said.
Anyone in need is invited to come by to the outdoor pantry and get what they may need.
“It’s getting a lot more use than I thought,” Kopp said. “We check it everyday or so and put more in it.”
The cabinet was built, painted and installed outside the store about three weeks ago. Mostly donated food items have been supplied by the Kopp family, but Kopp said they would welcome donations from anyone who would like to help supply the closet.
There are all types of nonperishable items available within the closet, such as rice, pasta, cereal, macaroni and cheese and granola bars.
In addition to the outdoor food pantry, the ‘Kindness Club’ is always on the look out for their next kindness project, having recently visited Elk Haven Nursing Home to deliver valentines to senior residents.
Kopp said any child of any age can join the club.
“It’s to promote kindness. There’s a lot of bullying and similar things now and I just want kids to be aware of how their kindness can impact people to make a difference,” she said.
For more information on either helping with the ‘Kindness Closet’ or on the ‘Kindness Club,’ contact New Horizons at 237 Brusselles Street in St. Marys at 814-3891874.