BUFFALO, N.Y. — When Pamela Pritchett remembers her mother Pearl Young, one word comes to mind: consistency.
She says it’s a word that Young lived by because it told her community they could count on her.
“My mom was amazingly consistent,” Pritchett said. “Every single Saturday, she came to the pantry. She set up the food. They knew they could come to Leroy Ave. every week whether it was winter, summer, rain or snow.”
For 25 years, Young spent her weekends at Good Samaritan Church, handing out food at the pantry.
But on May 14, 2022, that all changed when she became one of the 10 shot and killed at the hands of a racist gunman at Tops on Jefferson Avenue.
“Every day, I still miss her. I missed the time we had together,” Pritchett said. “I always tell people that I won't let two minutes and three seconds be the full memory of my mother.”
When it came time to try to remember Pearl, her loved ones wanted to be consistent. They decided to create an annual food giveaway in the lot across the street from the church she attended to serve a community that is now considered a food desert.
This year’s giveaway will take place on Saturday, April 27. It marks the second consecutive year they’ve held the event. This year there will also be free health screenings, and they plan to grow the event each year.
The hope is that the giveaway will show the community that even after she’s gone, Young is still someone they can depend on.
"Consistency matters to people, and that's what she was,” Pritchett said.
Distribution begins at 10 a.m. on April 27 in the lot across from 265 Leroy Ave. in Buffalo. It will continue as long as supplies last.
To donate, contact Pearl2prz@gmail.com.