Nonprofit ‘Something for Alex’: The Blessing Box

THOMSON, Ga. (WJBF) – A local nonprofit is working to feed the hungry, and they are doing it all in memory of their son.

Something for Alex and Thomson First Methodist Church has opened a miniature food pantry for people in the area.

“A perfect way for Something for Alex to partner with our church to be able to share kindness with others through canned items that can help fill the gaps in their pantries and help feed their families,” said Dr. Beth Newton, the founder, and CEO of Something for Alex.

A year after her son was killed, Newton received a letter from one of Alex’s friends who told her how Alex had given him the shirt off his back when they were on a trip together because Alex knew he needed it.  From then on, she wanted to honor her son’s life by sharing Alex’s kindness and encouraging others to do the same.

The nonprofit has hosted a special Birthday Project for Alex for several years. This year’s theme was the Food Pantry.

“We also want our community to step up because our motto is “take way you need,” which that is our community: take what you need, but also “leave what you can,” said Newton.

“The Blessing Box” was modeled after the old house that used to be on the church property. Inspired by another church on the other side of town, the Newtons wanted to offer a similar pantry to people in their area.

“Our call as Christians is to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves, and Jesus said that the greatest commandment and one of the ways that we can love our neighbors is to be there for them in every circumstance of life,” said Dr. Steve Dodson, Senior Pastor Thomson First Methodist Church.

The Newtons say, “Instead of waiting for a blessing, we hope the blessing Box becomes one.”

You can find more information on other community projects on their website .

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