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FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Some Fort Lauderdale neighbors have been helping one another during the COVID-19 pandemic, but their food pantry has been targeted by someone who stole their fridge and wiped out the items meant to provide assistance to those in need.
The neighbors have banded together for nearly a month to provide a micro-pantry to those struggling within the Sailboat Bend community.
Resident James Cameron said he came up with the idea for the pantry. It started with just a table and some plastic bins filled with food items.
“With all the long lines that you’re seeing at distribution areas, I wanted to start it here,” he said. “People give what they can and just take what they need.”
On Saturday night, the set-up was left trashed, and food placed in the bins was either left on the ground or taken. The donated fridge was also swiped from the scene.
“I was devastated,” said neighbor Dan Castor. “I had just brought food by the day before. The worst part of it was the smashed watermelon that somebody had donated, ’cause that’s just wasted food.”
7News spoke to the neighbors in the community who are now working to put it all back together again.
“It was really disheartening, but it’s just one bad apple in a bunch, and you can’t let that stop you from moving forward and continuing on,” said Cameron. “This whole covid thing has turned everything on end. Neighbors just want to help each other. You can still do your small bit to help. Even if it’s just a couple cans that are added in, that makes a difference for somebody else.”
“All of us really can do something,” said Diane Lade, who dropped off donations. “As we’re sitting there watching the news unfold, and we’re making ourselves so crazy thinking, ‘Oh, what can I do?’ Well, we can do things.”
Now members of the community have banded together once again to put a new cabinet together and put out another donated fridge to continue providing donations to those struggling during the pandemic.
They have also installed surveillance cameras that one neighbor donated and floodlights for better security. The pantry will also be locked overnight.
Cameron said the community will continue to help each other, as he knows the struggles thousands across South Florida are facing firsthand.
“Covid took my job as well,” said Cameron.
Those who would like to donate to the micro-pantry can contact Cameron at James.cameron@openworldrelief.org.
They are looking for donations of items including:
- Trail mix
- Canned fruits/veggies
- Ramen, noodles, pasta
- Peanuts, almonds, nuts
- Instant mashed potatoes
- Baked beans, canned chili
- Fruit cups
- Prepackaged oatmeal
- Small servings raw potatoes
- Grape tomatoes
- P3 protein packs
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Cleaning supplies
- Laundry/dish soap
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Bleach
- Tampons/pads
- Razors
- Toothpaste/toothbrushes
- Small containers of dog/cat food
- Crayons/coloring books
- Books
- Small toys-gently used
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