As the temperatures are starting to drop, there are families in need of not only food, but gloves and hats.

“It’s a sad world we live in and sometimes parents and adults pick other things over keeping their kids fed and warm," says Janet Guarino, Ken-Ton bus driver.

Guarino and Jenn Isaacson want to do whatever they can to help those in need. Back in March, when Isaacson learned that the schools were closing due to the coronavirus pandemic, she decided to open Ken-Ton’s Little Free Food Pantry.

“We knew that 70 percent of the kids were on food assistance through the schools and if they’re at home, they’re not getting fed. That night, we put the plan on Facebook … By morning, the pantry was filled with food. By afternoon, it was empty," says Isaacson.

Now there are five different little pantries in the Tonawanda area. Each one is easily accessible.

“All they have to do is come up, unlock it, open it up, and then they figure out what they want. Hygiene items are mostly on the top. Food is at the bottom. They take what they want and they can go on their way with it," adds Guarino.

She started helping after seeing Isaacson’s Facebook posts. Being a Ken-Ton bus driver, Guarino realized the need, helped fill the pantries, and even opened one of her own.

“I have personally given out coats and hats and boots to those students who come on without them in the 0-degree weather. It does get cold here and you do see children without them. And if they can’t come up with the support to get food, they’re definitely not going to have clothing on," says Guarino.

The pantries need not only food, but warm hats and gloves, as well as masks.

Anyone interested in learning more can click here.

Pantries in the Tonawanda area are located at the following addresses:

Kenton's Little Free Pantry: 152 Irving Terrace 14223

Helping Hand Up LFP: 207 Claremont Ave 14223

Big Mike's Roosevelt St. LFP: 254 Grove Street 14150

LFP: 17 Longfellow Ct 14150

Harrison Ave LFP + Library: 29 Harrison Ave 14223