ROCK HILL, S.C. — In front of First Christian Church in Rock Hill is where it all started for Mickey Stephens.
About three years ago, Stephens began volunteering at the church. He started putting food in blessing boxes, like the one in front of the church, across town.
“We got bread, peanut butter, water, jelly,” Stephens listed as he opened his bag.
Through food donations, he got a chance to meet people throughout the community.
“I realized that some of these people need more than food. So, how can we help them,” Stephens shared.
Being of service is nothing new for Stephens. He was a firefighter for 15 years.
“You see a lot of the good, bad and the ugly. Unfortunately, you see a lot of people in the worst-case scenario. So, what I’m doing now goes right along with that,” he said.
Earlier this year, the now-entrepreneur started the nonprofit Our Community Cupboards. The organization works to stock blessing boxes and deliver meals while also helping people in other ways.
“Connecting them to resources that are already available or creating resources like workshops that teach them financial literacy, how to rebuild their lives,” Stephens explained. “Where to go for these extra resources [and] teaching them about the Lord. Praying with them and saying 'hey, we want to love you right where you are at.'”
For Stephens, he’s not only reflecting on where he came from but paying it forward.
“God has provided so many people and resources throughout my life that when I was on hard times and basically losing everything, he’s provided the right people,” Stephens shared.
Right now, Stephens said he’s working to put up more blessing boxes and work with other nonprofits and organizations so he can continue to connect them to people in need.
“It seems pretty easy to get up and do what I do. I do get tired. I do need help. I do need more resources, but God will provide those things,” he said as he smiled.
Contact Nick Sturdivant at nsturdiva1@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.