Dragonfly Playhouse Owner Lauren Lippiatt stands by the new free pantry at Rover Boulevard and Meadow Lane in White Rock. The free little library is at right in the background. Courtesy photo
This free pantry at the Dragonfly Playhouse on the corner of Rover and Meadow in White Rock. Courtesy photo
By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Executive Director
C’YA
It only takes one person, okay, maybe two, to make a difference, and then it is our job to share the good news.
Lauren Lippiatt, owner of Dragonfly Playhouse, was having a simple conversation with Kate Hall, an employee of The First Born Program in Los Alamos, and simply another impressive member of our community, about White Rock when the topic of a pantry came up. The feedback her friend Kate was hearing was that one was needed for the community. “At some point, you either keep talking about it or you step up — and we knew we needed to step up.”
When I read that statement from Lippiatt it stopped me in my tracks. It stopped me so hard that it required a second hearing of it. Lauren said, “At some point, you either keep talking about it or you step up.” She then took the step. She went on to say so many things that were so brilliant, so spot on that a second reading of this whole story might be in order. Her simplistic notion, her love of commUNITY, is just what our community, our state and the state of our nation needs right now and every day after that, too.
“It felt like the right time to create something meaningful and accessible for our community. Even in a community that’s often seen as “well off”, there are families quietly navigating hard seasons. Our community pantry is rooted in love — a place where anyone could grab what they need, no questions asked. It’s truly about neighbors caring for neighbors,” Lippiatt said.
My initial question was, does she have Playhouse families in need of food? While her answer was yes, they absolutely do, her next comment should be echoed through the hallways of every building:
“Need doesn’t always look the way people expect it to, and sometimes it’s temporary — a job transition, an unexpected bill, a tight month. Our goal is to make sure families feel supported before things become overwhelming,” Lippiatt said. “If we can ease even a small burden, that matters.”
I felt the same way at my last job; someone who needs help may only ask once or ask only one person. Age, income levels, and education don’t matter. I would say that sometimes age might pose an issue. Many of our elders would never dream of asking for help related to food or finances. Many also don’t discuss health issues. I engaged in a situation once where I took a senior and a student (not related) to LA Cares for their food distribution. I had discussed with both males that if the trip saved them say $40 in groceries and toiletries, it was then $40 that could be spent in other areas. We never discussed it again, but they saw how easy the use was and how kind and generous the opportunity was for a hand up.
A free little pantry, like a free little library, opens a world up to many who can’t access the traditional venues. A student comes to me and says, “Mrs. Lauritzen, I haven’t had anything to eat since last night.” It was a problem that could be solved in a second – she just had to tell somebody. Well, the free little pantry doesn’t need to be asked the question, but holds the sustenance.
Kate also manages a free, little pantry near Urban Park called A Cup of Sugar. The combination of this pair of providers supports and encourages an invaluable experience that embodies a truly collaborative effort to strengthen resources across our community. I’m certain the ladies both feel it isn’t about them, but it just takes one person, or two, to make a difference.
“It’s about all of us working together to make sure no one falls through the cracks,” Lippiatt said.
They say families have shared how meaningful it is to have something local, discreet, and judgment-free. They’ve seen many community members step up with donations, which is a continuous reminder for them about how generous this town truly is, and they call it a beautiful thing to witness.
Lippiatt has owned the daycare for six years, which has become a second home to so many families. Her teachers are the heart of everything they do. She describes them as patient, nurturing, and deeply committed to the children and families they serve. They show up every day with consistency and love, and that kind of dedication that cannot be taught. She says she is incredibly proud of them.
I feel her description of them is based on their character and who they are.
“Watching children grow from tiny toddlers into confident little humans is one of the greatest honors of my life,” Lippiatt said. “It’s more than a business — it’s a community.”