By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
In the heart of Monbulk, a small but mighty group of community-minded locals is quietly making a huge difference. These unsung heroes, known affectionately as the ‘Pantry Angels,’ are helping to keep the Monbulk Open Door Pantry stocked and running, ensuring that no one in the community has to go without – especially during difficult times.
One of these angels is Debra Clarke, a local Monbulk resident whose compassion and faith have driven her to donate regularly to the pantry.
“I’ve been through my own tough times, and I’ve always had what I needed, thanks to others who helped me out. So now, I want to give back,” Ms Clarke said.
What sets Ms Clarke apart is her commitment to not just donating the essentials, but also providing a little extra care through her contributions.
While many people drop off basic items, her donations are filled with thoughtful touches – luxury items that go beyond the norm.
“I believe in giving with my heart,” she said.
“When I donate, I don’t just give the bare minimum. I try to donate things that make people feel special – like Nutri-Grain instead of just Weetbix, or nice soaps and body washes instead of the cheapest options.”
This focus on giving with dignity is a reflection of Ms Clarke’s belief that people struggling financially deserve to feel valued.
“It’s not just about survival. It’s about maintaining self-respect. People should feel like they matter, especially the kids,” she said.
“If we can give them something a little nicer, it makes all the difference.”
Ms Clarke’s journey into giving back to the Monbulk Pantry started quietly, but over the years, it has grown into a regular practice.
“At first, we started off small, just sneaking things into the pantry without anyone knowing,” she said.
“But then we realised we could do more. We started buying in bulk – stuff like laundry powder, high-quality shampoos, kids’ snacks, and toiletries.”
Now, Ms Clarke is one of the ‘Pantry Angels’ that people in Monbulk talk about with respect.
These are the locals who have become a vital part of keeping the pantry well-stocked and ensuring that every family in need has access to more than just the basics.
The Monbulk Pantry isn’t just about food; it’s about creating a sense of dignity and normalcy for those who are struggling.
The pantry’s coordinator, Jenni Nash said the service has become a vital support for people doing it tough across the region.
“Monbulk Open Door Pantry is an outreach of the Open Door Community Care op shop, supporting those in need from Monbulk and the surrounding district,” she said.
“We are supported by Monbulk Bendigo Bank, Foodbank Victoria and Monbulk Woollies. The service provides non-perishables, bread, frozen meals and fruit and vegetables.”
“In true Monbulk community spirit, we also receive a large number of donations of home-grown produce from local residents, we’ve noticed a dramatic increase in the number of people visiting each day. These people include the homeless, those on low incomes, and families simply struggling with the cost of living.”
Ms Clarke said the pantry is different because it allows people to go in and choose what they need themselves.
“When you’re going through tough times, the last thing you want is for someone to make decisions for you. It’s empowering to pick your own items, and it takes away that sense of embarrassment that often comes with asking for help.”
This level of empathy is what Debra believes makes the Monbulk Pantry stand out from other organisations.
“I’ve been in that place before – feeling low and ashamed because I couldn’t take care of my family. It’s so important that people feel good about getting the help they need,” she said.
Ms Clarke’s faith has played a significant role in her commitment to helping others.
“Jesus says, ‘What you do to the least of these, you do to me.’ That’s something I live by,” she said.
“He also says, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ If we all took that to heart, the world would be a much better place.”
Her message to anyone considering giving back is clear: “If you have the ability to help, no matter how small, do it. Whether it’s a few extra eggs from your backyard, some extra fruit, or a box of crackers, it all helps,” she said.
“If we all chipped in just a little bit, we could create a much stronger and more connected community.”
Over the last two years, Ms Clarke has seen how the Monbulk Pantry has grown in importance to the community.
“People are relying on it more, and it’s so important that we continue to support it. The pantry is a lifeline for so many families, and it’s also an incredible resource for those who just need a little extra to get by,” Ms Clarke said.
And it’s not just the Monbulk locals who benefit, she said the pantry also reaches out to surrounding communities in need, helping to provide a safety net for those doing it tough.
“These places – like the pantry, the Open Door Church, and the Care Network – are absolute blessings. Without them, many people would be in a much harder situation,” she said.
But for Ms Clarke, the pantry isn’t just about the food or donations – it’s about building a better future for the whole community.
“I believe we can make Monbulk a better place for everyone if we all pull together,” she said.
“The more we give, the more we lift each other up, and the more we’ll see positive changes in our community. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a lot to give. Every little bit counts.”
Looking ahead, Ms Clarke remains hopeful that more people will be inspired to give and volunteer their time, whether at the pantry or other community organisations.
“We all have something we can contribute, no matter how big or small,” she said.
“And I truly believe that if we all step up, we’ll create a stronger, kinder, and more resilient Monbulk.”
“Whether you’re donating food, clothes, or your time, it all matters. And if everyone did their part, we’d see a big change in this town,” she says.
The Monbulk Pantry has become more than just a place to pick up food; it’s a place where people come together to care for one another, support one another, and ultimately build a stronger, more compassionate community.
The Monbulk Pantry is currently at full capacity, focusing on supporting local residents and nearby areas. While the need is growing, organisers stress they aren’t able to assist people from further afield at this time.
The goal of sharing this story is to inspire all communities to support their own, with the hope that one day, no one will have to go without.
For those interested in contributing, Ms Clarke encourages everyone to consider donating whatever they can – whether it’s non-perishable goods, homegrown produce, or even luxury items.
“If you have something to spare, please think about donating it,” she said.
“Every little bit helps make Monbulk a better place for all of us.”
