High 5: ‘Free Little Pantry’ Not So Little Anymore Thanks To Woodland Hills Family

WOODLAND HILLS, Utah – If you drive by the Monsen’s house in Woodland Hills, you’ll find the Free Little Pantry isn’t so little anymore – thanks to Max and Emily Monsen and their mother, Robie.

“We just kind of had this idea to put out a bookshelf with some food and other toiletries,” Max said. “Then it turned into a full trailer.

The Little Pantry was created to help those in the community who couldn’t make it to the store because they were considered high risk of contracting COVID-19.

“We put in games and food,” Emily said.

The idea is to take something and leave something if you can.

“We were like, how can we bring some happiness and smiles and something that makes people feel good?” Robie said. “It was amazing to watch the community come together.”

The Monsens said a lot of the supplies in the pantry were donated by the community. And if someone needs something that wasn’t there, they can post their needs on a cork board.

“It felt good to see people get what they needed,” Max said.

During Easter, the Monsens even placed Easter eggs in their front yard.

“Watching them was really cool,” Robie said. “I think every parent thinks, ‘How do I help my kids learn to not be entitled?’ And I think there is no better way than finding a way to serve others.”

The Monsens said they plan to continue the pantry, and they hope it continues growing.

“I think we should start putting in more learning books,” Max said.

“I would like to put in more canned food, so if people have to evacuate, they can come here and hurry – get what they need,” Emily added.

Because of what the Monsens are doing to help their community, America First Credit Union is sending them $500 to help them stock the Free Little Pantry.

Do you know someone doing good in our community? A friend or family member building up neighbors or a coworker giving selflessly? Click here to nominate them for a KSL High 5.