For those times when a local family or senior citizen needs help “in a pinch,” Putnam County’s Little Free Pantry will be there, 24-7. The first PC Little Free Pantry is located in the outer entryway of the Putnam County Community Center in Standard;. Another will be located soon, outside the Fire Department / PC EMS building in McNabb.
The project was launched and funded by Putnam County Rotary, with assistance of a Rotary District Community matching grant, to offer emergency assistance to all PC residents – including those who also qualify for monthly PC Food Pantry pickups.
Rotarians on hand for the launch of the first PC Little Free Pantry at the PC Community Center in Standard are, L-R: Adriane Shore, Tina Dolder, Scott Shore, Debbie Buffington, Lisa Bellan, Beth Acuncius, and Brenda Bickerman.
The project also includes a new refrigerator located in the kitchen of the PC Community Center, so that pantry donations may include fresh produce and prepared foods.
Following the “Little Free Library” concept, with similar mini-pantries popping up throughout the Illinois Valley and nation-wide, it is hoped that community members will help stock the shelves, and those in need will feel welcome to take what might be needed on an emergency basis.
PC Rotary extends thanks to Rotary District 6420, and to the Putnam County Food Pantry and all project partners who are making the Little Free Pantry Project possible. Flyers and 3-fold pamphlets explaining the Rotary grant project will be distributed through schools, public buildings and businesses throughout the County. For more information about the Project, contact PutnamCountyRotary@gmail.com.
Rotarians help stock the shelves of PC’s first Little Free Pantry at the Putnam County Community Center in Standard.