Little helping hands hope to give back in a big way

DOVER-FOXCROFT — What do you do when two young ladies approach you with an idea to benefit the community? You listen carefully.
One day, Madison Leigh was very upset that her mom Leann didn’t give her a snack. It was almost dinner time, they were eating early, and a snack would ruin dinner. This was upsetting for Madison and she said they were “supposed” to have a snack. As a side note, her mom wants you to know that on a regular day they do get a snack. Leann went on to explain the importance of an early dinner as opposed to a “junky snack.”
It was Madison’s words that they were “supposed to have a snack” that stuck and Leann was compelled to say more about this (in the way that moms do). Leann explained to her girls how a snack is not something that they need, and they should be thankful that they are able to have them. They then talked about how some people don’t have extra snacks or even a meal.
This prompted Madison to remember how before Christmas she and her sister Makayla cleaned out toys to donate to those in need. “Please Mom, do we have to go through our toys again?,” they asked.
Leanne explained they were not going to do that, and they talked about how it’s important to be thankful for what they have. From here she asked her girls, “How can we help those who don’t get a meal, or that extra snack all the time?” With that, Makayla chimed in with the idea of donating food.
Leann searched online for ways to include children in acts of kindness and donating food and discovered the idea of a free pantry that, in southern communities, is located outside. Leann thought of Will’s Shop ‘n Save and wondered if the free pantry could be housed inside out of the elements.
Now the three ladies had a plan and were ready to pitch the idea to owner Will Wedge which they did and he listened.
Makayla said, “I feel good because it is good for someone who may not have food. And it helps me be kind to people.”
Madison chimed in, “I feel good too! And I want people to be happy!”
They talked to the right person because Wedge is all about supporting the community in any way he can. Plus, the fact that these two young ladies showed up with their mom and pitched the idea to him, demonstrates what Wedge encourages from the community — everyone has something to offer to help others.
Wasting no time, the building supplies were provided and the Leigh family launched their process of planning and building the “Little Helping Hands Pantry.” The girls drew sketches, donned safety glasses, grabbed some sandpaper and jumped in to help their dad Nathan with the project.
Today when you visit Will’s Shop ‘n Save, you’ll find the Little Helping Hands shelf at the front of the store. Anyone in need is encouraged to access the food on the shelves, no questions asked, as that’s what it’s there for.
Maintaining it is simple, according to Makayla, “I hope that people will take the food and some people will put more on.”
That’s exactly what has happened in the short time it’s been available. Friends of Will’s Shop ‘n Save on Facebook, near and far, have commented with their support. Everyone is welcome to add to the shelf when in shopping, or check donations may be sent to Will’s Shop ‘n Save 22 North St. Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426 (please write Little Helping Hands in the memo line so we can track donations).
Oh, and make a note of these little ladies. We have a feeling they are going to continue to offer great ideas for community involvement. We hope others will follow their lead.

Contributed photo
LITTLE HELPING HANDS PANTRY — Sisters Makayla, left and Madison Leigh brought an idea of theirs to help others to life with the free Little Helping Hands Pantry at Will’s Shop ‘n Save in Dover-Foxcroft. Anyone in need is encouraged to access the food on the shelves — no questions asked — and those in a position to do are encouraged to give to the pantry.

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Contributed photo
UNDER CONSTRUCTION — Madison, left, and Makayla Leigh helped their father build a shelf for the Little Helping Hands Pantry that is now located at the front of the store at Will’s Shop ‘n Save in Dover-Foxcroft.