13-Year-Old Louisiana Student Opens “PAM’s Pantry” to Help Classmates in Need

“When you learn, teach. When you get, give.” – Maya Angelou

This timeless quote from Maya Angelou has become the guiding principle for 13-year-old Chase Neyland-Square, an eighth grader at Port Allen Middle School in Louisiana. Inspired by empathy and community spirit, Chase turned those words into action — creating a student-run pantry that provides clothing, shoes, and essential hygiene products for classmates in need.

According to Good Morning America (ABC News), Chase’s project, affectionately named “PAM’s Pantry,” began as part of a school-wide initiative encouraging students to develop ideas that could make a difference in their community. While others submitted plans for fundraisers or campus cleanups, Chase proposed something more lasting — a dedicated space at the school where students could discreetly access supplies and clothes whenever they needed them.

Once the idea took root, Chase worked closely with staff and volunteers to bring the pantry to life. Donations soon poured in from parents, teachers, and local residents — everything from winter jackets and sneakers to school supplies and football cleats. “We were amazed by how quickly the community responded,” Principal Jessica Major told GMA. “It became more than just a student project — it became a symbol of what kindness looks like in action.”

Chase, who personally helps organize and restock items, told Good Morning America, “My favorite part about helping with the pantry is getting all the different types of clothes and sorting them out to give to people who really need them.”

Principal Major emphasized that the initiative has had a particularly strong impact at Port Allen Middle, where many students come from low-income families. “We really want the kids to feel like they have somewhere to go when they need something,” she said. “We only have about 215 students, so we’re able to get to know them really well and try to help wherever we can.” (ABC News, 2019)

The pantry is managed with compassion and confidentiality. Major and the school secretary discreetly identify which students might need assistance and distribute items respectfully, ensuring that no one feels singled out or embarrassed.

But this isn’t Chase’s first time giving back. His mother, Amanda Square, shared that her son has always had a generous heart. “He’s hosted dinners for senior citizens and once donated 700 pairs of socks for the homeless,” she told CBS News. “It makes me proud because we’re very blessed, and I always encourage him to bless others.”

His father echoed the sentiment, noting that Chase’s motivation doesn’t come from recognition or reward — but from a genuine desire to help. “He’s just that kind of kid. He doesn’t wait for someone else to fix a problem; he just gets up and does it,” his father said (The Washington Post).

For Chase, service is second nature. “It makes me feel good because I know that I can make a difference in my school,” he said, smiling. “If you can help somebody, even in a small way, you should.”

The project has since grown beyond its humble beginnings. Community organizations and local businesses have reached out with donations, and Chase hopes to expand the pantry’s reach to include school uniforms and sports gear in the near future. The initiative has also inspired students at neighboring schools to start similar programs — a ripple effect that Chase finds deeply rewarding.

Despite its success, the young changemaker isn’t done yet. He recently made a public request for more shoe donations, as sneakers remain one of the most requested items at the pantry. “Kids grow fast, and good shoes are expensive,” Chase explained. “If anyone has a pair they don’t use anymore, it can really make a difference.”

Chase Neyland-Square’s story is a powerful reminder that compassion has no age limit — and that one young person’s idea can uplift an entire community. As Maya Angelou once said, “When you learn, teach. When you get, give.”

Chase isn’t just living those words — he’s proving them true, every single day.