Food donation box helping the needy
Having seen drop-off food donation boxes change lives in various countries, Kyle Reynolds and his friend De'Andrea Jackson were motivated to do something similar in Jamaica, that they have dubbed 'The Free Likkle Cupboard'.
Reynolds informed THE STAR that since the cupboard was erected last Friday at his business place, Irieracing Moto, at 37 Shortwood Road, St Andrew, the feedback has been positive.
"I'm impressed because when we put it up Friday we thought the stuff in there wouldn't even last the night, and surprisingly we even found money in there," he said. "So far though most people have been using their conscience and drop off stuff like corned beef, mackerel and sausage."
Company have approached us
Reynolds said that The Free Likkle Cupboard is just "our way to give back and in a different way".
"A lot of company have approached us and say they want to brand it and give us the stuff to put in there but we said no because it will defeat the purpose," he explained. "We want to allow the regular person a chance to drop something in there and feel good that they can give back. The idea behind it is for persons to help each other so if someone takes something when they're in need, then you should consider to drop something back to help another."
Since Friday, he has realised that tin foods are the most sought after and most donated items.
The only challenge he has experienced thus far though, is that one person might opt to take all the items in the cupboard. He is therefore asking takers to be lenient.
"We can't monitor who take the stuff but we are hoping people don't be greedy and understand that somebody else is in need. If someone is hungry and need a corn beef, take that but don't take what you already have at home," said Reynolds. "When people come and they bring a lot of stuff, we ask that they put one or two items and give us the rest so we control and distribute throughout the day."
Reynolds, when asked if there is a timeline attached to the food drive, smiled and said that "We don't plan to stop. Once people give, it will run forever."