Lincoln neighborhood’s free pantry security camera and light stolen for second time

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The “take what you need, leave what you can” message is a symbol of kindness for all of the Little Free Pantries across Lincoln.

But this week, that kindness was met with a second act of theft for the “Quack House” free pantry near Rose Street.

“This is a neighborhood that has challenges. It’s a good neighborhood, I’ve lived here for 35 years. We’re all in it together. We’re just all trying to get through this,” said one woman who helps run the pantry.

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

She prefers to remain anonymous, but she said they placed a Ring Camera floodlight to help people see in the dark.

And now, it’s been taken for the second time in just a few months.

“I honestly think that these folks just thought that it was a battery operated light,” she said. “Maybe they’re homeless, I don’t know, but that doesn’t matter. I think if they had known that it was a ring camera, they probably wouldn’t have done it.”

She said she wants to help those in need, and adding that light was another way of expressing that kindness.

But even now, she’s not angry – she just wants people to know that nothing is too big of an ask.

“We all need to lean on each other and depend on each other and ask for help,” she said. “If you need help, leave a note in my mailbox and I’ll see what I can do!”