We’ve got an amazing new Do good initiative that was rolled out this week: The Do Good Cupboard.
This is very similar to the “little libraries” that you sometimes see on streets where you can borrow a book or donate one.
But this is designed to help feed people. It was inspired by the National Life Foundation’s work on childhood hunger and has come together in time to potentially be of help to people during the economic uncertainty created by the COVID-19 crisis.
Jessica Russo took the proposal to the city of Montpelier on behalf of the Foundation and got approval for National Life to build the cupboard and install it in front of the Montpelier Senior Center downtown.
Joe Blais of the Facilities team took drawings donated by St. Peter’s Feed the Children Heart and Soul Ministry in Lewes, Delaware, which is the model for the Do Good Cupboard.
Joe built the cupboard at National Life with materials donated by Allen Lumber and he installed at the Senior Center this week with help from WJ Franks of the grounds crew.
Jessica purchased nonperishable food and other items, such as diapers, and stocked the cupboard.
National Life will continue to keep track of the cupboard and keep it stocked, and will remove anything approaching its expiration date.
It doesn’t replace food shelves but can help those who might need items like nonperishable food or toiletries on short notice.
“The Do Good Cupboard is intended to extend a helping hand to anyone who needs one,” said Beth Rusnock, president of the National Life Group Foundation. “National Life will stock the Cupboard with basics so our neighbors can take what they need and leave what they can.”
It’s great to see this kind of Do Good spirit in these tumultuous times.