The Union County community is filled with generous and compassionate individuals. Over the years, citizens, business folks, community members, leaders, stakeholders, entrepreneurs and many others have taken part in the Leadership Union County program which helps instill these values and demonstrate the importance of giving back to the community when you can.
Leadership has a mission to develop leaders that create a unified and progressive community. The program helps identify opportunities, develop strategies, and provide resources to achieve community goals, all the while building community consensus and promoting the county.
A while back, some LUC volunteers were interested in creating a community project in which graduates of the program, as well as others in the community, could participate. During the discussion, there was a lot of brainstorming and sharing of ideas.
One noteworthy suggestion came from Amy Coffey Smith, who proposed the concept of Blessing Boxes. LUC chose this as the project and to place boxes throughout the county.
Sets of two boxes, one for non-perishable food items and another for books and reading materials for all ages, were decided upon. As said by Wayne Toppins, "One box for the brain and one for the body!"
Although Amy sadly passed away last spring, her vision has recently been realized. Three sets of boxes are being placed across the county thanks to a group effort. Leadership applied for a grant from the Tennessee Association of Community Leadership and received funding for one pair. They have been set up at the Union County Senior Center to serve the community there. Wayne and Marilyn Toppins purchased a set to place at the Plainview Community Center. They are in a very visible and convenient location to the right of the building at the picnic area as pictured.
Wanda Byerley and Pearl Coffey, Amy’s mother, purchased the third set in memory of Amy. This set is awaiting permission but hopes to be set up and serving the community very soon.
LUC would like to invite individuals, concerned citizens and businesses to leave food or reading materials to share at each location. Our community is filled with serving hearts and it is sure to show through sharing at the boxes. It is hoped that many folks in times of need can benefit from these boxes of love.