Making a Difference … Perry County resident on a quest to fight hunger in the community
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Hunter McMillon, of Leakesville, was in Richton with his grandmother on Wednesday and took advantage of the opportunity to make a donation to the free food pantry located outside the Restored Magnolia on Front Street.
Photo by CHERI CULPEPPER / Dispatch Staff
By ANNETTE HARVISON
Dispatch Staff
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One Perry County resident saw a need in the county and set out to make a difference in the lives of her friends and neighbors.
Destiny Brewer said she had a calling to do something in the community. She knows there are lots of struggling families right now, and some of them are in need of kindness, groceries and even personal items. Brewer wanted to show people they are not alone in their struggles and that help is within arm’s reach. A pantry has been placed in Richton as the Restored Magnolia, and Brewer said she isn’t stopping there.
“I put up this pantry on hopes to help the community in desperate times and to let people know they are not alone,” Brewer said. “This was a calling from God and one that I couldn’t ignore.”
“I decided to put up the pantry simply because there are so many families that are scared to ask for help and go without things that they need because of pride or they are afraid of being judged.”
Brewer said the process took her about two weeks to complete. A man from New Augusta donated the cabinet to her, and then she took the time to give it a fresh coat of paint. She wanted the cabinet to look friendly and inviting to give a bit of comfort to those in need. Her husband was her biggest supporter throughout the process, making sure she brought her ideas to life, she said.
“The way the pantry works is to take what you need and leave what you can,” Brewer said. “There are items ranging from non-perishable food to hygiene products to baby items.”
“It’s free for anyone that needs it, and it could always use more donations. It isn’t stocked by just me, so I rely on the community as well to keep items in there, if it’s simply just a pack of Ramen noodles or some travel size body wash.”
The box is open 24 hours a day, for those needing something or for those leaving something. Brewer said for those unsure if certain items can be placed in the pantry to walk in and talk to owner Kasey Brewer, who will gladly accept donations for the pantry. Anyone leaving items is asked to make sure it is non-perishable and unopened. Some examples of items to leave are canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, boxed meals, toothpaste, soap, feminine products, baby formula, adult and baby diapers, bottles and more.
“No one should have to go without,” Brewer said. “Eventually, I hope to put up more pantries in the surrounding areas, such as New Augusta and Runnelstown, and I encourage other people to reach out and see how they can help with the community.”
Brewer said she wants people all around the community to know that there is still hope out there, and there are people who want to help. Times are hard for so many people, even right here in Perry County, and Brewer wants to make sure no one is going without the necessities they need.
“Sometimes people need to remember that there is good in the world and it’s okay to lend a helping hand.”
“Everyone gets in a place of need at some point, and I wanted there to be a resource in place that people are freely able to go to and get what they need in order to live or take care of their family.”
