A small act of kindness during a tough time turned into a lasting tradition in La Pine
Tracee Tuesday
LA PINE, Ore. [KTVZ] — When the government shutdown left families across Oregon struggling to afford groceries, one La Pine business owner decided to help—one slice at a time.
During that difficult stretch, Figaro’s Pizza stepped up in a big way, giving out more than 100 free pizzas to families in need and to those whose SNAP benefits had been reduced. Leading the charge was owner Brandi Herron, who found inspiration from an unexpected moment inside her own pizza shop.
It started when Herron’s employees began giving their own lunches to a homeless man who frequently stopped by. That small gesture sparked a bigger idea—something that would come to be known as “The Giving Wall.”
Now, that wall inside Figaro’s is covered with prepaid pizza vouchers, donated first by Herron’s staff and later by generous community members. Anyone in need can take a voucher—no questions asked—and enjoy a warm meal.
“My mom needed these programs when I was growing up, and I needed these programs when I was raising my own kids,” Herron said. “I just felt the need was tremendous. I don’t think I’m doing anything special—I just think I’m doing what everybody should be doing. If we all help our neighbors or our employees, the world is just a better place.”
Since its inception during the shutdown, the Giving Wall has proven to be a simple act of caring, and sharing what Herron has with those who could use a little help, one pizza at a time.