The road to hell is paved with good intentions
Last fall, my grand child began a community project. She and her Mom built a cupboard and made a little pantry. intended to be a place for the homeless or needy to grab something edible or comforting. She got approval to locate it on a street downtown, in front of a church. The little pantry has been in place since November. There is a little note in it that says "Take what you need. Leave what you can."
It turns out that a single person is taking everything that has been offered. Not the intent. I have a bunch of stuff to donate to it, but I've been sick, so I haven't stopped by. I just learned about the person yesterday. There is an office run by volunteers called the Homeless Project, so I plan to drop my donations off there, and let them give it out. I've done that a few times this year, too.
People who care about the little pantry are trying to think of solutions. One is to store the stuff inside and have people come in to get it. Or to offer it once a month to the public. I thought maybe put slips of paper in the little pantry cupboard and have people trade the slip for an item.
I feel bad that such a good-hearted idea has been been perverted. Does one person need all of the snacks? Or all of the toothbrushes? Maybe once, but after that it's selfish. One person has spoiled the intent.
If anyone else has tried to assist the needy and had a problem like this, I hope you'll post possible solutions.
Thanks.
= new reply since forum marked as read
Is to just put out small amounts at a time. Unfortunately though, this requires time and people to monitor the pantry.
Hopefully, the person taking advantage is only stopping by once a day. If that is the case, then restocking at various times during the day might make the situation more equitable.
It's not a perfect fix, but it is all that I can come up with.
If stuff is stored inside the "one person" will coerce the people there.
The "one person" will send loyal friends to grab everything on the "once a month" public offering.
The slips of paper coupons will all be grabbed by the "one person" or their toadies.
