Small Town Community Support: Paris Grocers Go Above and Beyond for the Paris Little Free Pantry

By Paris Independent Staff

About 6 months ago Kathy Vankonynenburg, a dedicated member of the Friends of the Little Free Pantry group, embarked on a mission to expand the reach of their charitable efforts. Armed with determination and a vision, she set out to enlist the support of local businesses. Her first stop was Jay's at No Frills grocery store on Dundas Street.

With great hope, Kathy approached Jay, the store owner, seeking permission to place a donation bin for the Little Free Pantry at the store's exit. To her delight, Jay embraced the idea wholeheartedly, expressing his willingness to contribute to the cause Not only did he allow the bin, but Jay also went above and beyond by personally delivering donations

Jay at No Frills is a Friend to the Little Free Pantry. Not only does he stalk the pantry’s shelves when supply is low and demand is high, but he also makes special donations during the holiday season. Pictured above, Jay donated 10 full Thanksgiving dinners last year, right down to the whipped cream!

Photo shared by Susan Lyn on the Friends of the Little Free Pantry Facebook page to the pantry and regularly restocking its shelves. Despite owning the store for just over a year, Jay's dedication to his community proved to be nothing short of remarkable.

The impact of Jay's generosity extended far beyond the pantry's shelves. During special occasions like Christmas and Easter, he selflessly provided meals for ten struggling families, bringing joy and relief to those in need. Kathy, deeply moved by Jay's unwavering support, cherished a heartfelt desire to publicly acknowledge his contributions She hoped the Paris Independent newspaper would give Jay the recognition he deserved, a chance to shine as a beacon of compassion in their community But the tale doesn't end there. Several months later, Kathy set her sights on another local grocery store, Sobeys in the North End of town She approached the store manager, Jackee, with a similar request. To Kathy's delight, Jackee, too, eagerly embraced the opportunity to make a difference. She not only installed a donation bin in her store but also contributed to the Paris Little Free Pantry from her own inventory. The community was indeed blessed with remarkable businesspeople like Jay and Jackee, whose compassion resonated through their actions.

Today, at the exit of both Jay's No Frills and Sobeys, the Little Free Pantry's bins stand as symbols of hope and unity. Located in front of the Paris Optimist Clubhouse behind the Syl Apps Arena on Elm Street, the Little Free Pantry’s containers hold a world of possibilities. The concept behind the Little Free Pantry is simple yet profound a safe space where anyone can leave a donation of food, and those in need can access it without judgment or embarrassment.

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