RANDOLPH - The anonymous note simply read "My husband has been out of work for six months now and this stand (produce) has helped us out so much. God is good! Thank you." The unsigned note was recently left on the produce stand in front of the Randolph United Presbyterian Church on Main Street.
This two-year produce stand is a part of this church's mission project and has done surprisingly well with the donations received in return for the variety of donated fruits and vegetables.
It must be pointed out the above confession from one in need brought moving joy, satisfaction and strength to church parishioners and Mission committee members, regardless of contributions, left in the dark green mailbox.
Article Photos
Parishioner Noralyn Berger looking over the variety of fruits and vegetables.
P-J photo by Jack Berger
The sign above the produce boldly states "Give what you can ... take what you need."
That message spread fast in this small community and the response from one in need to those simply desiring fresh produce has been tremendous.
In the two years of the stand's existence, this first thank you note from someone in need overwhelmed committee members with the fact we do have the needy within our midst as well as far off lands.
The stand, loaned to the church each fall by Douglas Matson, a produce farmer on Jamestown Street, was severely damaged by Randolph's tornado in July. It was quickly retrieved and re-constructed by mission committee members and their friends and is back in business.
This produce stand does not in any way pretend to be a super market type of operation, simply a thoughtful act from generous gardeners and the sharing hearts of volunteers that monitor it.