PITTSBURGH —

Ricky Smith, owner of Boxflipz along Smithfield Street, offered essential items to anyone in need due to the government shutdown's impact on SNAP benefits.

Smith placed large boxes filled with items along the sidewalk in front of his store, extending all the way to Fourth Street, to help community members who may struggle to afford necessities. Advertisement

Dozens lined up to take advantage of the offer, which Smith described as his way of supporting those who have supported him and now need help themselves.

"They're lining up in single file or filling up a bag of food. They're grabbing some soap, some laundry detergent. There were Christmas trees for the kids. There are baby swings for the baby. Similac for the babies. Just more like we really try to zone in on, like, e

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