CHRISTOPHER and Chelsea Wright of West Garden Grove with their free “store” (Orange County Tribune)

By Jim Tortolano

Like the coronavirus itself, the willingness of people to help others during the pandemic is contagious, too.

At the corner of Weaver and Laurelton in West Garden Grove sits a little shrine to thoughtfulness and giving, stacked with food, paper products, water and more. The sign above it reads “If you need, take one. If you have, leave one.”

Hosts of that free “store” are Christopher Wright, 41, and wife Chelsea Wright, 28. But they can’t take credit for the concept.

“My parents thought of this idea,” said Chelsea. “They actually had one set up in Westminster, and as soon as we saw it, we just had to jump on.” Curt and Vanessa Puskas have their operation at Bannock Road and Seneca Drive in Westminster.

The Wrights’ version has been going on for about a week.

“It’s been great,” said Chelsea. “People are dropping stuff off, picking up stuff.”

THE PUSKAS’ cart in Westminster (Facebook).

“There were some families really in need of some of the supplies,” said Christopher. He told of the elderly lady completely out of toilet paper who was happy to be able to get two rolls. We’ve had neighbors dropping off lemons and oranges and things like facial creams and soap.”

The small corner display is also stocked with cereal, water, diapers, paper towels, toilet paper and more.

According to Chelsea, the response has been very positive. “They’re so grateful.”

“People don’t want to talk about it,” said Christopher. “It’s uncomfortable. We live in a nice neighborhood, but we don’t always realize there are some people going through tough times.”

The “store” is open typically daily, and will end when the pandemic recedes. “We’re going to keep this up until it’s all over,” said Chelsea.

Editor’s note: The Wrights have created a video to publicize their efforts. It’s available on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Oh, and the Tribune donated a roll of paper towels.