Johnnie offers a box of food and a smile to a recipient in his community.

FORT WHITE, Fla.– Johnnie Alexander doesn’t let anything stop him from serving where he sees need.

At one time, he faithfully served his country in Vietnam; now, he serves his community with that same dedication.

Johnnie’s second tour in Vietnam resulted in significant injuries from a land mine—and both of his legs had to be amputated.

After a lengthy recovery, Johnnie opened a grocery store. But before long, he noticed that people were stealing food. He soon found out that many of his elderly neighbors who were on a fixed income were forced to make the choice between paying the bills or paying for food.

Johnnie’s experiences had given him a passion for helping others, and he knew he wanted to do something more for his community. So he sold the grocery store and opened a food bank.

More than 20 years later, Johnnie’s passion is still strong and his food bank—Alexander Gleaner’s of the Harvest—supports hundreds of families and individuals each month.

Thanks in part to food and supplies donated by Operation Blessing, Johnnie's food ministry, Alexander Gleaner’s of the Harvest, supports hundreds of families and individuals each month.

Not one to let his injuries hinder his ministry, Johnnie drives his own box truck an hour to Operation Blessing’s warehouse in Ocala to collect food and supplies from their dock ministry every month. He brings the product home, sorts it into boxes and combines it with additional supplies he has purchased with his own money.

On distribution day, people from all walks of life arrive to his home—most to collect much-needed food supplies, but some just to help Johnnie out.

Johnnie personally talks to everyone who comes through the line, and he packages food boxes specifically to meet their needs, instructing his volunteers to do the same.

His heart also remains especially compassionate toward the local veterans like himself.

A significant portion of Johnnie’s supplies and his efforts go to help homeless military veterans living in a nearby tent city as well as those receiving care at the local veterans hospital.

That’s where Lilli first met Johnnie, while she was going through physical therapy. Now she comes to his distribution days for more than just food.

“I come out here just to talk to Johnnie because he is such an inspiration,” she said. “Johnnie is a real blessing to the people of Fort White.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Every day, the fleet of Hunger Strike Force trucks are on the road, delivering nutritious food and essential supplies to thousands facing hunger and poverty. With your help, we can continue to impact lives and give hope to those who need it most. Consider making an online donation today.

 

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