Kindness Cupboard opens in Coshocton

Before Thanksgiving last year, Skylar Hasseman-Stewart hosted a food drive for the community, especially students in the area.

“Seeing the response from the community — how willing people were to give — made me realize there was an opportunity to create something more permanent,” she said.

From that thought, the Kindness Cupboard, a community pantry, was formed.

A community cupboard, or blessing box, is a small outdoor pantry where people get needed items for free.

“It’s a take what you need, leave what you can setup. We actually have a couple of blessing boxes in our community, which is amazing. They’re such a gift. What I wanted to do was build on that — create something on a little larger scale that could reach more people and hold more supplies at once,” Hasseman-Stewart said.

She said the need in the community is much bigger than just one box. She wanted to support what was being done and to make it bigger.

“As a mom I know how quickly life can shift,” Hasseman-Stewart said. “I just wanted there to be a place where someone could quietly grab what they need without feeling embarrassed or judged.”

The Kindness Cupboard is located behind The Thompson Business Center on Main Street. It is beside the rear parking lot in a brown shed. It is accessible 24/7.

“Anyone can use it; there are no restrictions,” Hasseman-Stewart said. “If you need something, you are welcome to it. If you are in a season when you can give, you’re welcome to leave something. It’s truly built on trust and community.”

However, this location was chosen because it can be monitored by cameras 24/7.

“The shed is being monitored, so please take only what you need so that we can help as much as possible effectively,” Hasseman-Stewart said.

The community is encouraged to help keep the pantry stocked. Nonperishable food items, hygiene products, baby items and small bags of pet food are chosen quickly.

“Even just checking on it when you drive by and sharing it with others helps,” Hasseman-Stewart said. “It really only works if the community takes ownership of it. This isn’t mine. It belongs to all of us.”

Hasseman-Stewart is encouraging everyone to pick up a little extra at the store when able to share in the cupboard. “If we all do this, it will make a huge impact,” she said.

Monetary donations are always welcome. If you want to donate a large amount of items, Hasseman-Stewart said to contact her so it can be distributed a little at a time.

For more information or to make a monetary donation, email Hasseman-Stewart at skylarhasseman@gmail.com. Visit The Kindness Cupboard on Facebook for a list of needed items that can be dropped off at the cupboard. One also can message Hasseman-Stewart through the Facebook page.