The Village of Ossining PTA turned a book trading concept into a care pantry.

There are seven free library boxes located throughout the village that serve as a book trade. The idea is to take a book and leave a book.

After realizing the success of this concept, the PTA decided to morph the book exchange into small pantries.

Civilians can drop off non-perishable food, along with toiletries and other household items.

Miriam Risko, president of the Ossining PTA, says they made it “really accessible to people who want to grab something. It’s also a really easy way to donate because people can just go by and put something in, and take something out, so they’re sort of self-sufficient that way.”

Parent Jamie Idi believes the lesson in this situation is realizing it’s better to give than to receive. “Sometimes there are people you don’t know need things that are out there, you can help,” says Idi.

News 12 is told the PTA plans to keep the project going through the winter.