Take What You Need, Give What You Can
On a recent visit to my girlfriend, we stumbled across something truly remarkable in Cottleville, MO; a tiny, unassuming shed with a profound message: "Take what you need, give what you can." It was called a Sharing Shed, and it warmed my heart to see such a simple yet impactful way of helping a community thrive.
The concept was straightforward; inside the shed were cans, boxes of food, and other essentials. It was a small hub of generosity where people could take what they needed, whether it was a meal for the night or supplies for the week, and give back whenever and however they could. The idea seemed to be rooted in community spirit, kindness, and trust.
In a world that often feels so fast-paced, isolated, and sometimes overwhelming, the Sharing Shed felt like a breath of fresh air. It wasn’t a huge government-run facility or a formal charity. It was a grassroots, local effort to help neighbors help each other.
The shed didn’t ask for identification, proof of income, or anything else that could make someone feel embarrassed about asking for help. It simply invited people in with open arms. Whether you needed a meal to get by, or had an extra can of soup to spare, the shed was a place of quiet generosity.
Seeing this sharing shed got me thinking about how such a small, thoughtful gesture can make a massive difference in people’s lives and what it would be like if more communities embraced this idea.
The Sharing Shed in Cottleville represents more than just food on a shelf; it’s about coming together and recognizing that we’re all in this together. At any point, life can throw unexpected challenges our way. Maybe you lose your job, maybe you have an unexpected expense, or maybe you’re just going through a rough time.
The Sharing Shed provides a sense of security, knowing that if things get tough, there’s a place to turn for a little help, without any judgment or stigma. It embodies the values of kindness, generosity, and community support.
Other communities could benefit greatly from adopting this model, and it doesn’t require a lot of resources to make it happen. A small structure, a handful of volunteers, and the willingness to make a difference can go a long way.
The beauty of a Sharing Shed is that everyone can participate. You don’t have to be wealthy or have excess to give, if you have even just one item to donate, that can make a world of difference to someone else. And if you find yourself in need, you can visit the shed with the reassurance that your community is there for you.
If you don’t currently have a sharing shed in your community now, there is always a way to give back to a local food pantry, volunteer your time, spread the word, or help out where you can. Small acts of kindness can shift the world, and the simple concept of, “Take what you need, give what you can” is a beautiful way to love and to feel loved.
xoxox…..Sheryl
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