Summer Pantry Crew (and a can of carrots...)

I am not a numbers person.

I love words.  And I love people.

But I recognize that some people ARE numbers people, so that’s why I led will this piece with figures:

·      Over 150 hours

·      Spanning 56 days

·      7 adults (plus one as needed assistant)

·      5 kids

·      Countless guests

Those numbers represent what it took to run the Little Yellow Free Pantry (LYFP) over the summer so that David and I could get away for a much-needed break.

Because you see, the LYFP is not just a decoration on a street corner.

It’s not an afterthought.

It is a very intentional and important part of our community.

It helps feed people.  It gives them nourishment to have energy to tackle their jobs.  Or to focus in school.  Or to take care of their family.  Or to simply survive.

Yes, at 5 ½ years old, it has become an integral part of the “food chain” in our community. 

Like I said, I am not a numbers person, so I don’t usually share this fact…  But the Little Yellow Free Pantry gives away over $83,000 of food and toiletries annually (I am sure that number is actually much higher than that now with the price of groceries having risen so much). 

Because of the importance of the LYFP in our community, it is sometimes difficult for David and I to get away.  I feel guilty leaving the pantry unattended. 

Now, you might be thinking, “Oh Susan, it will be fine.  Just let it run organically.  People will put things in there.  The guests will be fine.  Don’t worry.”

But I KNOW many of these guests.  I know their needs, their preferences, their dietary restrictions…  They are a part of this community, and I don’t want to let them down.  I don’t want them to repeatedly make the trek to the LYFP (by bus, by foot, by car (using valuable gas), by bike, by skateboard…) and find it empty.

Plus, we take the concept of “Everybody deserves good food” seriously around here.  We believe that if we wouldn’t eat it, we shouldn’t serve it in the pantry either.   That’s why we are careful to sort through donations.  If an item is open or expired, it does not go in the pantry.  We want guests to be treated with the respect all humans deserve, and serving them food out of rusty, expired cans is not the way to do that. 

 

But that sorting takes a lot of effort. 

And opening the boxes of donated food takes a lot of work.

As does hauling that heavy food downstairs.

And noting expiration dates on things.

And shelving it all.

And breaking down boxes for recycling.

And decanting large bottles of oil into smaller jars, and big bags of rice into meal size sealed packets.

And talking with guests when they visit to see if they have a special need that we might be able to meet.

It takes a lot of time, effort, and love to keep the pantry going.

And while we are gone, it also takes a lot of communication and trust.

And that’s when the PANTRY CREW steps in to replace us!

We have a year-round, constant Pantry Crew, neighbors who are both kind and trustworthy.  Because, you see, they actually come into our home when we are not here to work on the pantry.  Never did I ever imagine living in a house that neighbors came in and out of when I was not present, but here we are! 

The constant crew was not quite big enough to pick up the work for the summer, so we added some special summer crew members, too!  The summer crew included:

·      Teresa (and occasionally her husband Dan when donations were too heavy to carry down to the shelves)

·      Kasey and her kids Mackenzie and Ryder

·      Christy

·      Jacquie

·      Ixi, Mac, and their kids Ixel and John

·      Cindy and her granddaughter Daisy

This amazing group of humans kept the pantry alive while we escaped to Florida.  While we were swimming in the ocean, they were sweating carrying down heavy boxes of veggies.  While we were relaxing on the beach, they were talking with guests and getting them what they needed.  And while we were playing board games, they were cutting up boxes and hauling them to the curb.

The pantry simply could NOT exist without volunteers, and we are super grateful for these people!!

Joining the crew showed summer members firsthand how hard it is to manage a project of this scale.  It also allowed them to meet some guests and see firsthand who the food supports.  It taught the new child member responsibility (and she even brought her dad over one afternoon so she could teach HIM how it all works).  And it reinforced community, compassion, and empathy for all.

We hosted a Thank You Party for the Summer Crew and had a great time eating, laughing, and chatting.  We talked about our favorite things to put in the pantry: Ixel – pads and tampons, Kasey – whole meals like pasta, spaghetti, and parmesan cheese, Daisy – honey, Susan – summer sausage, Ixi – Hormel Compleats meals…

We talked about how fun it is to meet guests, and how it is much more WORK than it appears from the outside.

And we laughed about our ongoing joke – A CAN OF CARROTS.

Usually when I talk with people about the pantry, they ask what things are popular with guests.  But it is rare for someone to ask, “What doesn’t get taken??”.  But when you work on the crew, you learn pretty quickly what the least favorite items are, and one of those is for sure cans of carrots.

We joke that we can put a can of carrots in and it will still be there 3 days later.  The shelves may have emptied and been refilled time and time again, but the CAN OF CARROTS remains!!  Canned carrots just don’t go over that well.  To celebrate this fun fact, each Summer Pantry Crew member received a colorful shirt with the Kindness Activist logo on the front, and the phrase, “I survived the Summer Pantry Crew…  And so did a can of carrots.”  The shirts were a big hit!  (And I later learned that a young Summer Pantry Crew member even experimented with the positioning of the canned carrots on the shelves to see if that made a difference!  Apparently, it did not…)

Ixi and Kasey modeling their new shirts

The other item that sometimes stays in the pantry for a long time is boxed stuffing/dressing.  To make stuffing, you need to have an oven (and to make it tasty, you need other ingredients).  Also, I think not all cultures have stuffing as a “thing”, so it is just not a big hit in the pantry. 

Of course, being on pantry duty also shows you what the most popular items are!  Some of those are:  drinks of any kind, fruit cups, cans of fruit, cans of hearty soup, Compleats meals, microwave popcorn, ramen, Maseca, pasta, and pasta sauce.  Oh, and toiletries of any kind!!  Pantry guests cannot use SNAP benefits to buy toiletries, so shampoo, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, toothpaste, lotion, shaving cream…  We hand out a lot of toiletries.

What's YOUR favorite thing to put in the pantry?  Some of the Summer Crew!

The Summer Pantry crew was a great reminder for me of how it really does take a village.  Without their support, we would not be able to get away to recharge.  I am so grateful for their hard work and commitment.

Summer Pantry Crew (missing Christy, plus Susan and David)

The Pantry Crew is full at the moment, but we do often need volunteers for other things.  If you would like to add your name to our volunteer list, please send you name, email address, and cell phone number to:  kindnessactivist@gmail.com .  We will add you to our database.  Also, we often ask for volunteers on our Facebook page (Kindness Activist), so give us a follow there.

If you would like to donate to the Little Yellow Free Pantry, the most needed items as of September 22, 2026 are:

·      Bars of soap (we are out)

·      Single serving cups of instant mashed potatoes

·      Bags/boxes of instant mashed potatoes

·      Heat and eat Indian meals (we are out)

·      Microwave popcorn (we are low)

·      Canned fruit of any kind (always needed, hard to keep in stock)

·      Ketchup and/or mustard

·      Cans of corn

·      Evaporated milk

You can see our Amazon wishlist here (please focus on items marked “most needed” – we try to keep that up to date): 

Little Yellow Free Pantry Wish List 

And, as always, if you would like to donate to Kindness Activist to help keep our mission of spreading kindness going, we would appreciate it.  Donations are tax deductible.  Donations accepted via:

 

Venmo (KindnessActivist)

 

PayPal (KindnessActivist)

 

Credit Card:

 Donate via credit card

Five Guys with a Side of Kindness

Oh so tired.

If there is an award for “non-employee staying at a Five Guys restaurant for the longest period of time” I most certainly won it today.  I was at Five Guys from 1:55 pm to 8:20 pm.  Whew!!

But what a grand event it turned out to be!  A neighbor who works with Five Guys corporate reached out a couple of months ago and asked if Kindness Activist would like to hold a fundraising event at the new restaurant in Arlington.  It is a historic location because they built it in the same location as the very first ever Five Guys.  Of course, we said YES to a fundraiser.  I mean, we love finding creative ways to raise money to spread kindness, and who doesn’t love Five Guys food?? 

I have seen schools and sports clubs advertise these events at restaurants but had no idea how it worked.  I asked lots of questions – could I bring cake to share with guests, what times could it be, how did the percentage split work, would take-out orders count…  We set a date for a Sunday afternoon in September, then the store emailed to apologize and explain that they learned the events had to be during the week.  We chose a date (September 25) and the hours stayed the same as we had arranged for the weekend date – 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm.

As the event grew closer, I realized the times were not ideal…  It was a THURSDAY, and most people would be at work during those times (or commuting).  Oops.  But I had asked so many questions already…  I decided to just go with the flow, not rock the boat, and test it all out so I could better understand the whole concept.

Today I put on my Kind is Cool shirt and packed a roller bag of things to do.  I told David, “I don’t think there will be many people.  I am looking at this event as a day to learn the ropes, and to have 4 hours of free time to sit and get things done!!”.

Only, I was wrong.  Oh so wrong.

The first person must’ve walked in around 2:10.  I saw her even before she came in the door.  She peeked inside, changed her mind, and started walking away.  But something made her turn back…

I thought I may have recognized her as a pantry guest.  I gave her a big smile, which she returned.  We exchanged pleasantries about how lovely the weather was and she made her way over to my table and sat down.  I realized I did not know her – but I would soon.  We talked for a good 20 minutes.  She told me several sweet stories.  As we talked, I folded colorful sheets of paper I had brought. I planned to make LOTS of Daily Polls for our street corner today.  I thought that would be a fantastic use of time – getting ahead on that task. 

I think I finally asked her what she planned to eat.  “I haven’t had any food since breakfast!” she declared.  “Do you serve turkey burgers??”.

Ahhh – she thought I worked there!  It was quite funny.  “I thought you were folding menus or something,” she said.  I invited her to come sit back down as they prepared her meal and we continued our conversation.

Then the first “official” guest came, a very sweet neighbor.  She joined my new friend and I at the table.

And I can confidently say – there was not a moment of “silence” or slow time after that.  There was a steady stream of people – far more than I imagined.  It was fun seeing so many neighbors!  I got to talk to many, many people.

Two people who wanted to attend but couldn’t sent donations.  They asked us to use the money to treat someone to a meal.  Challenge accepted!!

 

At first, we thought we should use it to buy food for people experiencing homelessness.  Only, there didn’t appear to be anyone in that situation around the restaurant at that time… 

 

Then we thought treating someone at the bus stop would be great – but if you were waiting for a bus, you might not want to go inside to order a meal…  You might miss your bus!  We considered buying meals and walking down the street a bit to give them to people experiencing homelessness in another area where we felt they would certainly be.  But really – half the fun of eating out is getting to pick what you want to eat, right??  It didn’t feel “right” for us to choose and just drop the food off.

 

So, we got the great idea to offer meals to people getting OFF the bus.  An intrepid crew of 3 kids and 1 adult went out to choose the first person!

 

It didn’t take long for them to walk back in.  “We found someone!!” they said.  And sure enough they had.  It was a woman who looked like she was probably coming home from a day in the office.  She was delighted to be treated to a tasty meal!! 

 

As we waited for her dinner to be prepared we chatted about Kindness Activist and the work that we do.  She was very interested and hopes to get involved in future events.  She asked if she could take a selfie, because she wanted to post about her wild experience of getting off the bus and being surprised and delighted by kindness.

 

Surprise!!  Free meal for you!

Next up was 2 young men.  They were a bit confused about what was happening – why was Five Guys giving them free food?  We explained the fundraiser, and the generous donors who wanted to buy strangers meals.  They both ordered very carefully, not wanting to spend too much of the money.  It was very sweet.

 

It's your lucky day - free dinner!

Next up was another woman.  She was so happy!!  “Is it my BIRTHDAY???” she asked incredulously.  Nooo – but it is your lucky day!  That meal used up the donated funds and so we thought we were done with spreading kindness (while at a kindness fundraising event!).  But we were wrong.

 

Because I looked out the window and saw a man who looked exactly like the “target audience” that we had thought we wanted.  He was smiling in the sunshine.  He may have not had shelter.  And he looked hungry. 

 

I rushed outside before he could leave and asked, “Hey – would you like a hamburger and fries??  They are really tasty”.  He gave me a big smile and said yes, yes he would.  So, in we went.

 

The line was a bit long at that point and I told him it would be a few minutes before his turn.  “Mind if I sit here while I wait?” he asked.  “Sure.  I will hold the place in line,” I told him.

 

And he sat right down on a seat.  A seat in that clean, air conditioned, nice restaurant.  A seat that he probably usually would not be allowed to take. 

 

Moments like that humble me and make me consider my privilege.  I can pretty much walk into any establishment I like, order something – anything, maybe just a soda or cup of coffee.  I can cool off.  Use the wifi.  Go to the bathroom…

 

I can.  But many cannot.

 

As he sat and rested, he called me over.  He had been studying the menu.  “Do you think I could get a BLT instead?” he asked.  “Yes sir, a BLT sounds delicious!  What to drink?”.  He said he didn’t want a drink.  “No drink???” I asked.  “Hey, how about a SHAKE??” I offered.  Ahhh - now a shake got his attention.  He examined the shake menu and decided vanilla was in order.  “Want whipped cream on that?” I asked with a grin.  He flashed a mischievous grin and declared, “Why yes!”.

 

When it was almost my turn to place his order, a neighbor came up and handed me a $20 bill.  “For his food,” she told me.  No – I explained that we would buy it with kindness funds.  “No, no, I want to”.

 

Kindness begets kindness.

 

When the man’s food was ready he picked it up and headed out.  I was in another conversation at the time so didn’t get to say goodbye. 

 

Another neighbor and her 2 daughters came in a bit later and as I greeted them I explained that man outdoors had just been treated to a delicious meal thanks to someone’s generosity.  The woman teared up.

 

“My daughter…” she said, pointing to her young girl.  “My daughter…  We saw that man outside, and my daughter asked if we could buy him some food.  But it is so hard.  You know, to kind of assume someone’s situation and that they need food…”.  She wiped away tears.

 

What a beautiful connection.  And such a true sentiment.  It is difficult to find a way to ask that won’t be offensive or belittling.  And sometimes the ask is not accepted.  In fact, that happened today.  One beautiful neighbor asked someone who looked hungry if she would like a free meal, and the person declined.  It’s awkward when that happens, but that can’t stop us from being open and kind.

 

Another person cried today, too.  Who would’ve thought that an afternoon in a burger joint would bring tears, but it did.  A neighbor was standing looking at the menu and I greeted her and asked how she was.  At first, she gave the usual, pat answer of being fine.  Then she confessed that actually she wasn’t fine.  That it had been a very hard day.  “Hey, I had that kind of a day just yesterday,” I told her.  I don’t know her well enough to know if she is the hugging type, but I couldn’t help myself.  And as we hugged, I felt her cry. 

 

Some days are hard.  Hugs are good medicine.

 

All afternoon people came and went.  They chatted.  Some drew pictures for the Five Guys bulletin board.  Some gave suggestions on how we could use the funds raised.

 

Neighbors met neighbors.  They sat at tables and dined together.  They told life stories.  They shared the experience.

 

I thought it would be quiet.  I thought I would “get things done”.

 

And I did get things done. 

 

Not the things I packed into my little bag.

 

But the things that NEEDED to be done.

 

Laughing.

Listening.

Talking.

Giggling.

Hugging.

Caring.

Eating.

Serving.

And being kind.

 

Speaking of kind, the restaurant extended the event an additional hour.  I am not sure when we will find out how much money we raised.  But I know one thing – however much it is, it is enough.

 

Christina, the neighbor who works for Five Guys Corporate and
reached out to see if we would like to have a fundraiser

Because the kindness shown today was incredible.  People being patient with lines.  Being patient with new restaurant employees.  Being open and brave enough to sit with strangers and talk. 

 

And people showing up.  Supporting this little thing called Kindness Activist. 

 

The work continues.  I came home to find a box of pantry donations on the porch, and the Amazon person delivered 5 more as I sat on the porch to write this story. 

 

The boxes can wait until morning.

 

Tonight - I will rest.

 

And think about the beauty of a community coming together for kindness. 

 

And burgers.

 

Don’t forget the burgers.

It's Happened!

Oh.  My.  Goodness.

 

It’s happened.

 

Such a mix of feelings – elated, scared, relieved, excited… 

 

The IRS responded – KINDNESS ACTIVIST IS AN OFFICIAL 501C3!!

 

I have been doing Kindness Activist work since December 2015, close to a decade.  It started small – writing stories of kindness that I witnessed, did, or received.  As I often explain when I speak to groups about kindness – I was in a sad place in my life.  I looked for kindness as an experiment really.  I wondered if there was actually kindness out there, and if there was, did it make a difference in the world?

 

That social experiment has made a huge difference in my life.  It has given me a new lens through which to view the world.  It has made my life more fulfilled, happier, more full of joy.  It has introduced me to people I would never have met had I not gone on this mission.

 

And now it is “official”.

 

I’ve been wanting to make Kindness Activist a 501C3 for years but have put it off.  It seemed so daunting and scary.  But many people have nudged me and pushed, and I knew it was the right thing to do.  It just required taking a big leap to go for it.

 

There are so many people to thank.  The people who kept at me – reminding me it was not only necessary but it was possible.  The amazing lawyers who assisted me pro-bono to get the corporation established (required before filing for non-profit).  The people who accepted offers to join the board.  The people who cheered and hugged along the way.  The people who show up to volunteer to unload trucks and wrap gifts and decorate trees and tie ribbons to our fence...

 

And the most amazing, supportive partner on the planet, David Gaines. 

 

When I started writing stories of kindness, I had no idea how much our lives would change.  I didn’t know our basement would turn into a de facto grocery store to supply the Little Yellow Free Pantry.  I didn’t know that traveling in November and December would become almost impossible due to the Santa Project.  I didn’t fathom that our basement apartment would be filled with coats and sweaters to hand out all winter in Project Warmth.  I could never have imagined that strangers would knock on our front door or honk and wave as they drove by.  I never pictured a neon green Just Be Kind sign on the Big Yellow House.

 

But David, you have stood by my side through all of it (and more).  You have held me when I cried, rubbed my back when I was exhausted, and laughed with me in the rain.  You put in soooo many hours on that dang IRS form 1023.  My dream of kindness has changed both of our lives, and I thank you for riding the wave with me and being the very best “husband for scale” this human could ever have asked for.

 

The official letter came today.  We only filed 13 days ago, and the instructions say it can take up to 180 days to get a response.  I was hoping to hear quickly but never imaged it would be in under 2 weeks.

 

Have not had time to process it all yet, so I am unsure of how/what changes now.  I promise to keep you updated and to keep the kindness rolling.  I promise to keep sharing the stories of kindness. 

 

But for now I need to take a breath.  Pause a moment.  Take it all in.  Drink a bit of bubbly. 

 

And shed a few more tears of happiness. 

 

Cuz it happened, it really happened!

Jumping Blooper