LIFE
The Times, Gainesville, Georgia | gainesvilletimes.com
Midweek Edition - July 29-30, 2020 3B
Blessing Box grows bigger
Altruistic Lula project outgrows tiny space, gains new ministry initiative
BY KELSEY P0D0
kpodo@gainesvilletimes.com
Mandy Stewart never expected her small
gray container to make large waves in Lula.
In late June she placed a “Blessing Box”
outside Amanda’s Farm to Fork, welcom
ing people to take what they need of the
many food and hygiene products, but
also asking others to contribute what they
can.
“CBS46 News and CNN contacted us,”
Stewart said. “It’s been crazy. I’m one that
doesn’t like the spotlight a whole lot, but I’m
very glad that the word is getting out about
the Blessing Box. That’s exciting.”
Less than a week after launching, Stewart
said the project received an abundance of
donations and even sparked a new initiative
called Love Your Neighbor Ministries.
“God kept giving me a burden after the
Blessing Box to do more for the community, ”
she said. “I just began to pray and ask God,
‘What is it you’re wanting me to do?’ That’s
where Love Your Neighbor Ministries was
born.”
Stewart runs the ministry with her hus
band Eric, who serves as the pastor of Lib
erty Baptist Church in Lula. She said their
goal is to “love God and love others” in the
community.
Right now, they are in the process of
replacing the small gray box with a larger
one because the current one is no longer
large enough. Over the past week Stewart
said she has witnessed many of senior citi
zens using the box as well as children. She
said they mostly take hygiene items like
deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste and
easy-to-open non-perishable goods like soup
and canned meat.
Stewart is also establishing a mobile cloth
ing closet to park around Hall County. Peo
ple would be able to walk into the trailer and
take whatever items they need.
On Sunday, July 26, Stewart took the min
istry to downtown Lula. Standing outside
at picnic tables, she passed out free sack
lunches with her husband to anyone who
wanted a meal. Stewart said they plan to
extend this service once a month.
“To me, my neighbor is not just a person
who lives next door,” she said. “To me, any
body I come in contact with is my neighbor.
I want people to know that God loves them
and that he has a purpose and plan for
them.”
Those who want to donate to the Blessing
Box can drop their items from 11 a.m. to 7
p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, by Amanda’s
Farm to Fork, located at 5955 Main St. In
Lula. Stewart said its current needs include
non-perishable pantry items and canned
goods.
For other donations, contact Stewart via
Love Your Neighbor Ministries’ Facebook
page.
Whether someone accepts free food or
clothing, at the end of the day, Stewart said
she wants them to leave with something
more.
“I hope that through this ministry we will
get to show people unconditional love,” she
said.
‘God kept giving me a burden after
the Blessing Box to do more for the
community. I just began to pray and
ask God, “What is it you’re wanting
me to do?” That’s where Love Your
Neighbor Ministries was born.’
Mandy Stewart
founder, Love Your Neighbor Ministries
. YOUR
MINISTRIES
Photos courtesy Mandy Stewart
Above: Mandy Stewart, who started the “Blessing Box” in Lula, has expanded her
community service efforts into establishing, Love Your Neighbor Ministries. Left: From left,
Mandy and Eric Stewart established Love Your Neighbor Ministries in June 2020 to serve the
Lula community with free food, clothing and spiritual support.
Creamy veggie
soup is a light
summer dish
BY LINDA GASSENHEIMER
Tribune News Service
This is a summer soup supper that is also vegetarian. It’s
a light take on classic vichyssoise that is usually made with
leeks, potatoes and cream. This soup is made with leeks and
cannellini beans. It is creamy and rich without the use of
cream. It will keep several days in the refrigerator. Bring to
room temperature before serving.
Helpful hints:
■ Be sure to puree the soup until it is smooth.
■ When using dried spices, make sure they are fresh look
ing and no more than 6 months old.
White Bean Vichyssoise
Recipe by Linda Gassenheimer
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large leek, washed and sliced (about 2 cups)
1/2 cup sliced celery
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 cups reduced-sodium cannellini beans, washed
and drained
3 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth
1 1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary
1 1/2 teaspoons dried sage
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped chives
Directions:
Heat oil in a medium-size saucepan.
Add leeks and celery and saute 5 minutes.
Add garlic and continue to saute 3 minutes,
stirring constantly.
Add cannellini beans, vegetable broth, rosemary
and sage.
Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid and cook 15
minutes.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Cool slightly and puree in a blender or food
processor.
Store in the refrigerator or serve at room
temperature. Divide between 2 large bowls and
sprinkle chopped chives on top.
Yield 2 servings.
LINDA GASSENHEIMER I Tribune News Service
White Bean Vichyssoise.
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