Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Makenzie Greenwood. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Makenzie , you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?
My generosity and motivation to continue my service stems from my love for my town, Hampstead Maryland! I am a proud seventh generation Greenwood to live here and am so grateful to call this place my home.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Makenzie Greenwood and I am the founder of Hampstead’s Little Free Pantry. Hampstead’s Little Free Pantry is a 24/7 food operation that gives food to anyone who needs it, founded in 2017! The pantry is very simple. Anyone willing to donate directly drops off the food to the pantry and those taking food can stop by at any time, day or night, and take any food they need. Unlike many food organizations, Hampstead’s Little Free Pantry requires no intake process, does not limit the amount of food one can take, and is accessible 24/7. Since opening, the pantry has been ably to expand tremendously. The pantry has now been accessed over 8,000 times by people taking food, given away over 100,000 pounds of food in partnership with the Westminster Rescue Mission, given away 3,438 holiday meals and $12,000 worth of vouchers to the local farmers market. I have also awarded 8 grants in 7 different states nation wide to children to start their own Little Free Pantry!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
My personable personality, time management skills, and sense of community are all what made the most impact on my service journey and helped me attain what I have today.
I am a very bubbly and social person, which is what has helped me be able to make meaningful connections with the people I serve and create a strong networking web to open myself to new opportunity. I quickly learned how important it is to be a strong public speaker and to build connections with people I meet!
As I am 17 years old, I have lots to balance. Whether it be my vigorous course load, volleyball, hanging out with my friends, and the pantry, It has been vital for me to learn how to manage my time. Organizing your priories and making sacrifices is of up most importance when seeking success.
I am so lucky to live in such a wonderful community that has embraced the pantry beyond compare. Without my community, the pantry would not have succeeded and helped as many people as it has. All it takes is a quick FaceBook post asking for food and the pantry is faced with an incredible restock. building a strong relationship with my community has allowed the pantry to grow and serve even more people!
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Since I founded the pantry at nine years old it was apparent that I could not do it alone. I am forever grateful for my mom, Jen Greenwood, who has helped and managed me throughout my work. She has always completed tasks I have been to young to do, driven me to stock the pantry when I could not, while still giving me full responsibility and creative freedom with the pantry. I am forever thankful and would be nowhere without her!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hampsteadslittlefree/?igsh=MTI5Y2dzamdrbmZkZA%3D%3D
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HampsteadsLittleFreePantry/
Image Credits
Baltimore Magazine
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