TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) \u2014 A Leon County nonprofit says growing demand for its help shelves is creating an urgent need for more volunteers.<\/p>\n
Lemondrop operates 20 help shelves across Leon County, stocked with donated bakery items and open to anyone in need.One grocery partner donates 8 to 12 carts of baked goods each week to support the shelves.Watch the video below to find out how you can help.<\/p>\n
Tallahassee nonprofit needs volunteers to keep food assistance program running<\/p>\n
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:<\/p>\n
A local nonprofit says demand for its help shelves continues into the new year.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt helps people out who ain\u2019t got the money right now and having hard times,\u201d said neighbor Sean Cooper.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m neighborhood reporter Lentheus Chaney in northwest Tallahassee, where I spoke with a neighbor who says Lemondrop is helping him put food on the table, and why the organization says more volunteers are needed to keep going.<\/p>\n
Lemondrop is a Leon County nonprofit founded in 2011 with a mission centered on turning something sour into something sweet.<\/p>\n
The organization operates 20 help shelves across Leon County.<\/p>\n
These shelves are stocked with donated bakery items and they\u2019re open to anyone in the community who needs them.<\/p>\n
The help shelves work much like free little libraries. Neighbors can stop by at any time and take what they need.<\/p>\n
For some, these shelves provide relief during a tough moment.<\/p>\n
Neighbor Sean Cooper says he works, but sometimes he still needs a little help.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve got a job, but, you know, it\u2019s like a little bit here a little bit there, you know. It\u2019s only part time and it\u2019s hard to keep balanced bills, and this, that, and the other and keep food on the table,\u201d Cooper said.<\/p>\n
One local grocery partner donates between 8 to 12 grocery carts of baked goods each week.<\/p>\n
Lemondrop also shares daily updates in its Facebook group, letting the community know which help shelves have been restocked.<\/p>\n
The group relies on volunteers to pick up and stock the shelves with donations. <\/p>\n
Right now, they need help Tuesday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.<\/p>\n
The organization has already had to close its community clothing closet boutique due to a lack of volunteers. Without more help, they say other programs could sunset as well.<\/p>\n
Volunteer Veronica Manchette says the help shelves are the core of their work and keep good food from being thrown out.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are able to pick up donations that expire on the day of the pickup. These donations will typically last even a week. Some people can put in their freezer to make it last longer, so we are saving those things from going in the trash,\u201d Manchette said.<\/p>\n
Volunteer Kara Butler has been with the organization for more than a year and says even a small time commitment can have a big impact.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019ve got any urge in your heart to do something for people. This is a great place to start, and the more volunteers we get, the more that we were able to do,\u201d Butler said.<\/p>\n
If you would like to volunteer or learn more about the help shelves, you can find information on Lemondrop\u2019s website<\/a> and Facebook group<\/a>. <\/p>\n In Northwest Tallahassee, I\u2019m Lentheus Chaney, ABC27.<\/p>\n Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website. <\/a><\/p>\n Stay in touch with us anywhere, anytime.<\/p>\n Like us on Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n Follow us on Instagram <\/a>and X.<\/a><\/p>\n