Lincoln little free pantry is vandalized, but host has message of forgiveness

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A little free pantry in Lincoln was vandalized on Monday.

It happened at the pantry known as Bill’s Locker at 41st Street and Lenox Avenue.

The host of the pantry, Chris Booe, believes it happened out of frustration when someone in need opened the pantry to find no food inside.

But Booe isn’t upset about it.

“I just wanted to let the person know, no harm no foul,” he said. “You’re forgiven.”

According to the Food Bank of Lincoln, there are an estimated 60,000 people in southeast Nebraska facing food insecurity, many of them children.

Booe started Bill’s Locker in honor of his late father, who dedicated his life to helping others by serving as an emergency medical technician, volunteer firefighter, Boy Scout troop leader and more.

“Caring is sharing,” Booe said, “and this is all just from a place of love.”

Bill’s Locker is entirely donation-based, providing food, clothing and books to those in need.

Booe says the pantry has visitors every day, and he wishes donors could keep up with the demand.

There are 40 other little free pantries around Lincoln dedicated to helping those who need it.