‘It’s just saddening’: Security camera stolen from Lincoln neighborhood’s free pantry

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Volunteers have worked hard to keep a free pantry stocked with food and necessities.

But earlier this month, the “safe space” was violated.

The Quack House Pantry near 15th and Rose streets has been a neighborhood staple since its establishment in 2020.

It provides food and several other daily necessities, like shampoo, toilet paper and laundry detergent.

“The amount of stuff that we receive at the pantry is immaculate,” said Leelu Swisher. “We don’t just get food; we have clothes, shoes.”

The pantry installed a security camera so people would feel safe while making donations or browsing.

“It creates a safe space for community members to be able to get pantry needs” on their own schedule, said Chris Martinez, who donates to the pantry.

But in the evening hours of March 13, the security camera was stolen.

Security video captured the thief riding a bicycle to the pantry and stealing the camera.

Organizers said the pantry had been burglarized once in 2021, but they hadn’t had many problems since.

“It’s just saddening that someone would take the smallest thing for their safety and take it for their own goodwill,” Swisher said. “And what are you going to do with a camera?”

Neighbors hope to have a new camera up soon.

If you want to donate, check out the pantry’s Amazon wish list.