Yesterday, Katie Lane, Rick Moeckel, and I visited Larry Gray at his donation stand, Larry’s Corner, in North St. Louis, and I am still thinking about the experience.
The day after the May tornado devastated his neighborhood, Larry set up a grill on the corner of Ashland and Newstead. Seven months later, he is still there every single day, feeding and serving hundreds of people who need it most. His dog stays close as he works, occasionally greeting visitors, including a friendly jump my way when we arrived.
Hot meals. Winter clothing. A warm fire barrel. A place to belong.
Larry is absolutely committed to his community. What started as helping his immediate neighbors has become a lifeline for the unhoused, tornado victims, and anyone in the community who is hungry. Donations pour in from across the region. Volunteers show up daily. Even other tornado victims bring what they can spare.
This is what community looks like. Right here in St. Louis.
I am grateful to have met Larry and seen his incredible work. Read more about his story here.
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