Full Circle: Lynn's Path from Farm to Food Pantry
Growing up on a small farm in Massachusetts, Lynn Reisenleiter learned early that when you have plenty and your neighbors don't, you share. Her family regularly delivered eggs and produce to those in need, teaching her a lesson that would shape her entire life: when you see a need in your community, you take action.
Decades later, as a retired kindergarten teacher living in Kirkwood, Lynn discovered Kirk Care — and found her way to continue that family tradition of service. "I suppose that is one reason I am drawn to Kirk Care," Lynn reflects. "Needs are seen and action is taken to meet those needs. I feel a sense of pride in being part of Kirk Care."
Lynn's journey to Kirk Care wasn't driven by dramatic circumstances — it was simply the result of wanting to find "one small thing" she could do to make a difference. After retiring from teaching, she found herself with time and freedom to make new choices about how to spend her days. Kirk Care became the perfect answer.
Over the past six years, Lynn has done it all: sorting food, stocking shelves, making deliveries, working with pantry visitors and collaborating with high school students. Each role has brought its own rewards, but it's her weekly work with the Super Senior students from Kirkwood High School that she finds particularly meaningful.
Working alongside fellow volunteer Kathy Bailey, Lynn helps students tackle tasks that build both practical skills and confidence. "Some days we have witnessed giant steps and additional smiles, and we know the time was well spent," she says. What started as volunteer work has blossomed into a cherished friendship — "Birds of a feather and all that!"
Lynn's favorite development has been the opening of Kirk Care's pantry for in-person shopping. "Getting to see the families come month after month and remembering each other is a good feeling," she explains. These ongoing relationships allow her to offer not just food assistance but also a comfortable, friendly place where stories can be shared.
From her childhood farm to her kindergarten classroom to Kirk Care's pantry, Lynn's life has been guided by the same principle: everyone has something to give, and small actions can create meaningful change.
Eli's Big Heart: How One 5th Grader Fed 286 Families
When most fifth graders think about their weekend plans, they're probably considering video games or hanging out with friends. But Eli Gruenkmeyer had something different in mind—he wanted to help families in his community who were struggling to put food on the table.
As part of his Civic Character Formation Project at Concordia Community Lutheran School, Eli took on an ambitious challenge: organizing his own neighborhood food drive. Armed with homemade flyers and determination, he went door-to-door throughout his St. Louis neighborhood, asking neighbors to help fight food insecurity.
"He created and distributed flyers throughout his neighborhood, and over a 2-week period many neighbors dropped off food donations in front of his house," explains Kirk Care volunteer Joanne Prats. But Eli didn't stop there—he also reached out to family and friends, building a network of support that would ultimately make a huge difference.
The results were remarkable. In just two weeks, Eli collected 286 non-perishable food items, some purchased with monetary donations he received. Every single item found its way to Kirk Care's pantry, where they'll help local families facing food insecurity.
What makes Eli's story so inspiring isn't just the impressive number of items collected—it's the ripple effect of compassion he created. His project showed his neighbors that fighting hunger starts with simple actions, and that even the youngest members of our community can make a meaningful impact.
"All of us at Kirk Care are grateful for your efforts in helping families in our community who are experiencing food insecurity," the organization wrote to Eli. His initiative demonstrates that civic engagement isn't about age—it's about heart.
Eli's project reminds us that addressing food insecurity requires all of us working together. Whether you're 11 years old organizing neighborhood drives or an adult volunteering at the pantry, every contribution matters.
Ready to follow Eli and Lynn's examples? Kirk Care needs volunteers and donors to continue serving our community.
