Take what you need, give what you can, a simple concept that gets lost on many of us as we go about our busy lives. We tend to forget that there are others around us that are less fortunate.

That has not been lost on West Point resident Amanda James. Back in February, James set up a Free Little Pantry outside of her home on Avenue E.

The pantry outside of the James home resembles a small, light blue house with a tin roof attached onto two-by-fours. On one side of the pantry, there are books for all ages and on the other side nonperishable items.

Since constructing her pantry, James has been approached by other members of the community wanting to find out how to get more pantries built. Partnering with West Point Councilman Gerald Ledbetter, Kesha Edwards-Coniglio and West Point Vision, James has started a GoFundMe in hopes of building four or five additional pantries throughout West Point.

Councilman Ledbetter took charge and installed a pantry in front of West Point Presbyterian where he is the pastor.

“I’m not here all the time and people stop by the church all the time seeking help,” he said. “That will give an opportunity for people to take what they need and leave what they can.”

As the holidays approach, we will hear more stories like these, but this has a different ring to it, a year-round initiative to help those in need. It will grow and it should grow.

Soon we hope to see Free Little Pantries all around the Valley area.

As of this writing, the GoFundMe has reached just over 10 percent of the $2,000 goal.

We will be watching, and we hope to see that number climb by this same time next week.