Teens Help Community In Big Way With Little Free Pantries

SAYVILLE, NY — Five Sayville High School students have made a big impact in the community with their Little Free Pantries. Last month, Molly Brady, Courtney Thornton, Fallon Santoro, Elizabeth Sheehan and Loghan McNamara started a campaign on GoFundMe to help raise money for two kits to create the two food donation pantries.

The teens planned to raise at least $2,500 to purchase the two mini-libraries that are often used to donate books, but instead use them to collect foods for those who need them and install them at different locations in Sayville. The girls were inspired by Claws Seafood Market Crab Shack & Clam Bar, after learning of their efforts to help the community.

"People can take or give non-perishable goods like bread, PB, soups, snacks, canned or boxed goods/non-perishable milk or juice boxes and water can also be placed inside," the GoFundMe page read.

According to the page, each shed costs $350 and each post is $80. The teens more than exceeded their goal, raising $4,000 after receiving a massive amount of support from the community. The money will go towards the pantries for non-perishable goods as well as a freedge, a free fridge for perishable goods to limit food insecurities for residents within the community which has been heightened due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The five even caught the attention of Islip Town officials, who honored them for their efforts at a recent ceremony.

"It is inspiring to see young minds thinking about helping members of their community struggling in these unprecedented times," Supervisor Angie Carpenter said. "We are so very proud of these women, and know their futures are very bright."

Since the annual Miracle On Main Event has been canceled, the teens plan to install them on one of those dates.