The Middlebury Food Pantry organized a fundraiser today called 'padlocked in the pantry'

MIDDLEBURY, Ind - The Middlebury Food Pantry organized a fundraiser today called 'padlocked in the pantry', with the pantry's Executive Director, Pam Bingaman, locked in a pantry until she can raise $10,000.   

A police escort walked pam Bingaman into the Middlebury Food Pantry in handcuffs.  

"I really expected to have to spend the night here, honestly,” said Bingaman.  

The $10,000 is a small amount compared to the USDA's estimated 34 million Americans suffering food insecurity.  

It's a major boost to help the pantry serve some 165 families a week, a 38% jump since last year.  

“None of that money will be spent foolishly, I mean it is to go to help our friends and neighbors in need,” said Bingaman.    

Pam let more than just neighbors join in to help, streaming her time locked up live on Facebook.    

She was pleasantly surprised to see how quickly people stepped up to help. 

“I had my husband bring my bed in and here we are, now its quarter after four, were already up to $8600,” said Bingaman.  

Pam’s good friend, Timshel Gabrielson who volunteers at the food pantry is also excited about the success of the fundraiser, with an anonymous donor committing to match the $10,000 goal.  

“It's an exciting thing to see the community come together and provide these funds that are being matched by someone else in the community and that money we can take and fill these boxes and feed families,” said Gabrielson.  

When Pam met her goal and the last dollar was donated, the Sherriff came to unlock Pam from her restraints to congratulate her on making bond and helping families in need.