
About Us
People often ask me why I started the pantry, and the truth is, there’s no grand story behind it. I’ve never had to rely on a food pantry, faced the uncertainty of my next meal, worried about losing my home, or struggled to put gas in my car. Sure, times have been tight, but I’ve always managed to get by.
For me, it comes down to a simple question: Why wouldn’t I help if I’m in a position to do so? That’s really all there is to it. When I started this, I never imagined the pantry would grow so quickly. In less than four months, it reached a scale I couldn’t have dreamed of. While I may have initiated this effort, kept it running, and contributed my own resources, the real magic comes from our community.
The people of Toledo have shown up in ways that leave me speechless. Your generosity—whether through donations, time, or support—has transformed this into something much bigger than I ever imagined. Together, we’ve been able to help countless families, and it’s all thanks to you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who has contributed. This is our pantry, and I’m endlessly grateful for the impact we’re making together.

Meet Our Team
Paws & People pantry operates solely on a volunteer basis. We have an amazing team of volunteers consisting of family, friends, and community members who have stepped up to help keep the pantry operating.
Brooke Winkelman
Founder/Chairman/The Purple Haired Lady
Anissa Keeler
Marketing Director/Pantry Organization Queen