As a retired nurse, Tina has been giving back to her community for most of her life. Now, she can continue to give back as the coordinator for Capulin Food Pantry.

“I’ve always liked helping people,” she told us. “I still want to [in retirement].”

Capulin, a 134-person town located southwest of Alamosa, is in Conejos County, one of the most impoverished in Colorado. The closest grocery store is miles away, making it hard for residents to get the food they need. Having this pantry right in the town, Tina said, is vital.

But she doesn’t do it alone. Members of the community help her mow the grass in front of the pantry or help shovel snow in the winter.

“[Capulin] is close-knit. I help people, and they help me,” said Tina.

At Capulin Food Pantry, neighbors can visit and take home boxes of canned goods, bread products, and produce. Many neighbors walk to the pantry, so Tina always makes sure to have boxes and bags available for people to use. And if she has extra non-food items like hygiene products or clothes, she sets those out too.

“It’s a good way to help the community,” Tina said. “And they are so appreciative.”