High winds and winter weather impact Little Free Pantries across Lincoln

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Little Free Pantries across the capital city are taking a beating this winter, with high winds damaging the doors and foundations.

“People are in a hurry because it’s so cold,” said Michael Reinmiller, who manages several pantries. “They grab food out, run off real fast to get back in their car, which I don’t blame them because it’s so cold. The door doesn’t get latched, and then the wind damages the door.”

Reinmiller posted on Facebook, asking for a little help to get the pantries fixed.

From there, dozens of people stepped up to help make the repairs.

“I’ve had several people reach out,” Reinmiller said. “They often want to help out the pantries that are closest to them, which is fine. They’re unaware of what kind of skills they need to bring. Often times it’s just putting screws in, or tighten it down. It’s very basic, but when there’s this many pantries in the city of Lincoln, I can’t get to them all. Especially in the cold.”

Going forward, Reinmiller said it is very important to give the pantries a little extra love, so no one in need goes without.

But the best part of everyone collaborating to get the job done — how it teaches the next generation to be kind.

“We need lots of people to fill them,” said Jack Reinmiller, Michael’s son. “Take what you need, leave what you can. Dear neighbor, I love you, I care about you, you’re super important to me.”