Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints erect food box in Busselton

The idea is for community members to leave non-perishable and personal items in the box which can be taken anytime by people who are in need.

The brains behind the charitable gesture is Justin Geracitano who is a member of the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints.

He came up with the idea after seeing how food boxes had been a success in other cities around the world and a homeless man had come to sleep at an area of their church.

After speaking with the man the group got together to think of ways in which they could help people in the community who were doing it tough.

Mr Geracitano built the food box and installed it out the front of the grounds at 69 Kent Street, Busselton as a way for the public to connect with people who were struggling or homeless.

“That way we are doing our part, especially leading up to Christmas and Woolworths is right next door,” he said.

Since the food box has been erected people had already left items in the box, and items had been taken out.

“The system is working, even in the last day,” Mr Geracitano said.

“It makes us feel good and it is a good service to the community.”

Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints member Brenton Pettigrove said there were always more the community could do for people who were in greater need of help.

The church group work with vulnerable people in the community and have also joined other Christian groups to help with charitable events such as the Christmas appeal.

Mr Pettigrove said they were trying to breakdown barriers with other Christian groups to bring communities together and have a common good.

“It is so we can do these types of initiatives together,” he said.

“We have two missionaries here for a couple of years from Sydney, and they go down to St Mary’s to help with Cliff’s Kitchen and will be serving on Christmas Day.”

On December 1, the church group will join thousands of people around the globe for Light the World which is an initiative encouraging people to perform small or simple acts to serve those in need, community work, at home and in faith.

Mr Pettigrove said they were encouraging people in the community to take part in the event, without emphasizing religion, but by making acts of kindness.