Community of Kindness
BEHIND THE LINE: BY ALYSSA QUAKENBUSH
Diana Scolponetti
When Diana Scolponeti’s stepfather, a beloved Marshfield science teacher by the name of Mr. Podbelski, lovingly referred to as “Pod,” passed away, she was eager to find the perfect way to memorialize him.
Pod was an avid reader and a teacher always; Diana recalls his lending out books from his own personal library, making sure to write down names and dates of check-out. One day, she came upon a worldwide organization called Little Free Library.
At the time, Diana and her husband were the caretakers of the YWCA, now Ferry Hill Community Center. She decided that a Little Free Library of their own would be the perfect way to remember her stepfather. Thus, Pod’s Book Pod was established outside of the Ferry Hill property.
When the COVID-19 pandemic started to affect our community, Diana was trying to figure out how she could best serve her neighbors. A firm believer in grassroots organization and someone with extensive professional experience in mobilizing volunteers, Diana felt an obligation to serve those who need help during this uncertain time. She was able to clear out the library of its books and instead filled it with nonperishables and essential toiletries, transforming Pod’s Book Pod into a no-contact food pantry.
A PAY IT FORWARD PHILOSOPHY
The food pantry has since expanded, as Diana has conjured a team of mask-makers and volunteers who are providing people with anything and everything they may need right now, from pasta to toilet paper to immuno-compromised specialized masks to KN95 masks to gloves and everything in between.
The Pod is restocked daily, with help from the current volunteer caretaker of the Ferry Hill property, Rich Figueiredo.
Diana’s pay-it-forward philosophy has indeed sent ripples throughout the community. The coalition of mask-makers and donations from neighbors have garnered about 1,050 masks and counting.
The baggies of masks are adorned with stickers that read, “With Love, From Your Local Community of Kindness,” and it is this same kindness that Diana is drawing from to give back a little at a time. In a time when everyone is affected in one way or another by this crisis, a project like Diana’s is exactly the kind of help that goes a long way. It’s the kind of help that is there for anybody who needs anything, as a resource that functions from neighbor to neighbor.
The Little Food Bank can be found at 76 Ferry Hill Rd, Marshfield
Rich Figueiredo.
COMMUNITY OF KINDNESS
Need doesn't always match up with the availability of formal support. The Ferry Hill Center’s network of caring supporters is committed to being available to any family that is struggling and unable to secure formal support at that moment.
“Together we are able to reach out and collect donations to stock a pantry, purchase groceries or take care of urgent needs."
Do you have a need that the Ferry Hill Center can help you with?
Please contact diana@ferryhillcenter.org
JOIN DIANA
Can you help stock the The Little Food Bank? Do you sew or have access to PPE? Can you support our efforts with a cash donation?
Please contact diana@ferryhillcenter.org to arrange to drop off donations or to become part of our effort to sew masks and keep our community healthy and safe.
Or, if you prefer >> cash donation
Ferry Hill Center is a registered 501C3 and all donations are tax deductible.