TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — In Leon County, the nonprofit Lemondrop is urgently calling for more volunteers. They run 20 help shelves across the area, stocked with donated baked goods. These shelves are open to anyone needing some extra support.
One local grocery partner donates 8 to 12 carts of fresh bakery items each week. This effort helps prevent good food from going to waste and serves those facing tough times.
Sean Cooper, a local resident, shared how the help shelves make a difference. “I work part-time, and it’s a struggle to keep up with bills. Sometimes I need a little help,” he said.
The shelves function like free little libraries. Community members can stop by any time, take what they need, and leave what they can. Veronica Manchette, a volunteer, emphasized the importance of this approach. “We pick up donations that would otherwise expire right away,” she said. “Some things can be frozen to last even longer.”
Despite the community’s support, Lemondrop is feeling the pressure. They’ve shut down their clothing closet due to a shortage of volunteers. If they can’t recruit more help, other programs may face similar fates. Volunteer Kara Butler, who has been with the organization for over a year, believes every bit of assistance counts. “If you want to help people, this is a great place to start,” she noted.
The demand for food assistance is on the rise. A recent survey by Feeding America found that as many as 42 million people may experience food insecurity this year, including 13 million children. This trend highlights the growing need for organizations like Lemondrop and the crucial role volunteers play in their efforts.
To stay updated, Lemondrop shares daily updates on which help shelves have been restocked via their Facebook group. They need volunteers from Tuesday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Without more hands on deck, their ability to serve the community will be at risk.
If you’re interested in helping out, you can find more information on Lemondrop’s website and join their Facebook group.
In Northwest Tallahassee, I’m Lentheus Chaney.
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