Deedee Garcia organizes the food pantry at Woodsedge, an Avesta community for older adults and people with disabilities in Alfred, Maine. It began when she visited the food pantry in town once or twice a month to pick up a box of groceries for herself and donated $10 to $20 for a second box, which she would bring to the community room for other residents’ use.

It eventually grew into a communal pantry of canned goods and household items — residents take what they need and add things when they can. Deedee also sets up an annual “giving tree” in the community room for resident’s pets during the holidays. 

“I know what it’s like to struggle to put food on the table, and I know there are others who feel the same,” Deedee said. “Besides — I can’t just sit at home; it drives me crazy. I have to do something. And it just warms my heart to help people out.”