Sharing Closet supplements Grants Community Pantry
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The Sharing Closet, located at 1101 N., First Street, Grants, features donations that have already been given and made a difference in the community. Nadine Jiron courtesy photo
GRANTS, N.M. – The “Community Needs Pantry” is what the top of a digital flyer advertising the Sharing Closet reads. With places that typically provide pantry services being either shut down or limited in their abilities to operate during this time, the Grants Public Library decided that the Sharing Closet was something that they needed to set into motion in order to continue meeting the community’s pantry needs.
The library acknowledged that many families already struggle during the winter months and that COVID-19 and its effects will most likely make this upcoming season even more difficult. Families often struggle to obtain more expensive things like winter jackets, socks, and blankets, and some truly need these things to compensate for a lack in utilities. There are a multitude of different situations that can make these COVID-19 times and the upcoming winter months harder than they already are, and the library recognized that and knew they needed to do something to help.
The Sharing Closet itself is a large rectangular closet which sits beside a rolling shelf located in the east parking lot near the handicap spaces at the library at 1101 N. First St., Grants. The closet holds the clothing items while the shelf beside it stocks some non-perishable food items. Anyone can donate to the Sharing Closet and the library is specifically asking for winter clothing items, socks, blankets, personal hygiene products, and non-perishables.
“We are hoping to provide things that families can’t always afford but should have access to,” said Nadine Jiron, library director. The facility will take donations throughout the winter months but asks that those donating call ahead to schedule a drop-off time.
The library received a quick response of donations following their initial request when getting the Sharing Closet started, and the closet has already been utilized by many community members, according to Jiron. The closet will be available curbside to anyone in need Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“We encourage anyone to feel free to come over to the library if they need any of the items [that] we have available. We cannot determine what will be available at all times, but we do our best to keep the closet and food pantry well stocked with a variety,” said Jiron.
Call 505-287-4793 or email grantslibrary@hotmail.com for more information.