By now, almost all Dogtown residents have noticed the quaint collection of beautiful hand-painted furniture arranged on the sidewalk off of Clayton Avenue. Curiosity piqued, most have ventured closer to discover the tables, dressers and even a piano, hold a variety of treasures and basic necessities available for free to anyone who may need them.
Theresa Weisbrod and her family had the generous ideas to create the Dogtown Little Free Pantry and were delighted to discover community members were all to eager to get involved. To learn more about the Little Free Pantry and how you can help contribute, check out our Q&A with Theresa:
What gave you the idea to start the Little Free Pantry?
The Dogtown Little Free (food) Pantry was an idea my family had as a way to share excess we received with others in Dogtown who may be struggling. We began about a year ago, well into the pandemic, and found the need to be much greater than we had anticipated. As we began to supply some basic necessities to both those with housing who couldn’t make ends meet, as well as the unhoused, the Dogtown community quickly became involved and soon asked me to post needed items.
How has the Little Free Pantry changed since it first started?
Soon there were offers and requests for us to accept non food items so another cabinet was installed for personal care items. A table and chairs were added where visitors could have a pleasant place to eat or read a book they chose from the Little Free Library. The view is into our backyard where our ducks and chickens wander around and fruit trees grow. We built a hot beverage booth out of vintage doors and during the cold months supply hot water for coffee, tea, ramen, etc. This past spring a gardening/potting bench was tucked in where the neighborhood can exchange plants or seeds. My dream was to bring in a community piano and we often hear it being played, or even better, someone attempting to play! At the end of the row is a yellow double glider in the shade, another nice place to read a book. Recently we added a ‘Seasonal Items’ cabinet which stores hats, gloves and hand warmers during the winter and sun hats, water bottles and mosquito wipes in the summer. All of the cabinets and furniture are from our personal stash and were hand painted by me. We want to offer a cheerful, relaxing and unintimidating place to find some needed food or other items or just take a break from worries. Our Dogtown Little Free Pantry has become both a stop over for those in need as well as a tiny neighborhood gathering spot. Hopefully you noticed the beautiful native/zinnia garden along the street this past summer as well as the light post covered in colorful doilies! We decorate for all holidays and often celebrate with special treats. Feel free to stop by. We even have a water bowl for your dog!
What feedback have you received from the community about the Little Pantry?
Our Dogtown neighbors and businesses, as well as friends and families outside of Dogtown have generously contributed whenever there’s a need or special request, making the Dogtown Little Free Pantry the success that it has become.
What types of items do you encourage people to bring?
I have been asked what kind of items I encourage people to bring. Food items that are ready to eat and ‘easy open’ are always needed for those who are unhoused. Canned or packaged food is appreciated by those who have access to a kitchen but not enough food to tide them over until the following month. Fresh produce, especially oranges and apples are enjoyed. Personal care items such as shampoo, soap, body wash, deodorant, toothbrushes and small toothpastes, etc. I always try to envision what I would need if I were unhoused.
The Dogtown Little Free Pantry has an Amazon Wish List which is updated regularly with ‘most needed’ items posted at the top. This can be used as a way to see what we are low on or as a convenient way to order, should you choose.
As requested by the neighborhood, Venmo (@TheresaWeisbrod1960) and PayPal (merrimentandmiscellany@gmail.com) accounts are available.
Large food/other donations should be left on our front porch. Please feel free to message me with the address or any questions.
Unfortunately there are some items that we cannot accept due to lack of space or because of safety issues. These include but are not limited to–clothing, coats, bedding, pet food or supplies, medicine, herbal supplements, baby supplies or garage sale leftovers.
Photos provided courtesy of Theresa Weisbrod.
