Non-profit restoring historic Benton Harbor church holds first community event

BENTON HARBOR, Mich.—A non-profit group working to restore the old First Congregational United Church of Christ in Benton Harbor held its first community event on Saturday.

Organizers with The Legacy Group of Benton Harbor gathered Saturday in the church’s parking lot to hand out food to community members in need.

The drive-thru style event provided food to over 300 people.

For people who could not attend the event in person, volunteers delivered food right to their homes.

“We’re looking forward to doing this maybe monthly, every four to six weeks. We’d like to let the people know we’re here. We’ve had 10 or 15 people stop by asking what we’re doing, how do they get on the list. We’re going to reach out to other community groups,” the group’s vice president, Cathy Averill said.

Organizers say the church, located at 292 Bellview Street, is almost ready to open back up again and they are currently targeting a spring reopening date.