Clovis residents helping those in need with open food pantry

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- On a busy Clovis street surrounded by homes and bustling cars, sits a table of hope.

"I was thinking about how long it's been since people have been around without food, and I couldn't stand around and do nothing anymore," said resident Sandra Chavez.

From canned goods to bread and water, Chavez, an unemployed single mother of four, said she wanted to help families impacted by the government shutdown.

"We shouldn't be watching anybody struggle right now if we could help each other. If you have a box, two boxes, I can just put it out. You don't know who you're going to feed next," said Chavez.

From laid-off federal workers to families who can't drive to food banks, Chavez shares she's seen it all since setting up this makeshift pantry on Thursday.

Social media posts, like Chavez's, have grown like wildfire, showing how neighbors are stepping to help in a time of need.

Less than half a mile away, Elizabeth Stoeckel wanted to offer her own open food pantry.

"I just put out a few things, and I mean, within 24 hours, I had people bringing stuff, I had people coming to get stuff," said Stoeckel.

Stoeckel said this effort has not only brought on so much joy but also a strong sense of community.

"People want an opportunity to serve. I think a lot of people think if they can't do something big, it doesn't really count, but this counts and it matters," said Stoeckel.

Both women said they hope to continue to offer food to those in need.

Chavez's food pantry sits on the corner of Willow and San Gabriel avenues. Stoeckel's food pantry is near Gettysburg and Helm avenues.

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