Sharpsburg library's little pantry in need of donations

Sharpsburg Community Library leaders are seeking donations, not of books but of food.

The Little Free Pantry that sits outside the library entrance on Main Street has been a much-needed complement to the site’s existing services.

“If I put something in today, it’s gone by tomorrow,” library Assistant Jamie Cozza said.

She stocks the box Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays with spaghetti sauce, mac and cheese and toiletries, among other items.

“Everything goes,” Cozza said. “Well, except the canned veggies. I guess no one likes to eat their veggies.”

The library is seeking donations to keep the box consistently full.

Peanut butter, canned soup, fruit cups, crackers and boxed meals are especially popular.

Library director Sara Mariacher asked that items be dropped off with a library staff member, not put directly into the pantry.

Cozza and others will check expiration dates and organize overflow items.

“We really need people to look at the labels before they drop stuff off,” Cozza said. “We don’t want to give anyone anything that’s expired.”

The pantry box, about the size of an old-fashioned console TV, was installed last year to help fight hunger in the borough. It was paid for by an anonymous donor in honor of a library patron.

Mariacher said the pantry is popular because of its around-the-clock accessibility. She said several other borough groups offer grab-and-go food but they are typically during limited hours.

“It’s been fantastic,” Cozza said. “Everyone is very excited about it. We just need more food to keep it full.”