Over the last 3 years, Computer Dave has balanced being a computer repair store and a donation pantry. The business has donated food and clothes monthly to homeless individuals and community members in need.
On the last Saturday of each month, owner David Fogle and crew fill up two vans with goods and head to the Cadillac Motel, Colonel House, Dixana Court, and “Tent City” — an area off Triad Lane. While there, they set up a table and allow families to grab a bag of food and some clothes in the winter months.
When they started in 2021, the company had 20 bags of food to drop off. Over time, they’ve grown to give out enough to fill 40 totes of clothing and items from every major food group.
“It’s a blessing and an honor to be able to do God’s work, and I’m just humbled. We just enjoy doing it, and we don’t get anything out of it except for that joy,” Fogle said.
Fogle said they try to donate as discreetly as possible to eliminate any barriers that may come up. He noted that they’re often asked who they are when they serve someone new.
“And I say, ‘We’re just people.’ Then it occurred to me at that moment: That’s what this is. We’re not representing an organization or an entity. We’re just people,” Fogle said.
They donate food throughout the year, all donated by customers or friends. An area is dedicated to holding packages of ramen, peanut butter, tuna, and other non-perishable food items.
In the winter, they allow the residents to grab whatever clothing items they wish.
By bringing the goods to the people, Fogle said they eliminate any embarrassment the residents may feel asking for help.
“We’ve had people say if we didn’t come down, they would have never reached out for help, because some people don’t want to ask for help. If I were in that situation, I might not want to ask for help, but if somebody shows up at my doorstep, I can just kind of discreetly run out there, grab what I need and go,” Fogle said.
In the future, Fogle said they may look into opening a pantry truck where they can store the food and have a better setup than serving from a table.
