Hearts for a Cause aids Millsboro’s Christian Storehouse

Fundraiser Hearts for a Cause started out with eight wooden hearts in Millsboro’s Independence community. Now there are 72 hearts in the neighborhood.

Founder Beth LeBlanc said she got the idea from a friend in Connecticut. Each wooden heart, created by Beth, her husband Glenn, and Debra and Eliot Blatt, is sold for $25. The money raised is then donated to Millsboro’s Christian Storehouse. 

“The hearts symbolize our support and love for our essential workers,” LeBlanc said. 

LeBlanc says she was touched by the fact that the Christian Storehouse is mostly volunteer-run. She also admired how it served the Millsboro and Long Neck area, she said.

The Christian Storehouse is both a thrift store and food pantry. The money generated in the store goes toward buying food for the pantry. As a result of the pandemic, the storehouse has also starting helping Millsboro residents with rent and electric bills.

About 350 people a month are served by the food pantry. People in need receive three bags of food a month.

The first two bags include canned goods, pasta, peanut butter and jelly, bread, boxed meals and more. The third bag includes frozen meats. Each bag will include chicken, though it can also have pork or beef, depending on the size of the family receiving help.

The fundraiser has raised $2,500 for the storehouse. LeBlanc says it wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of residents of Independence community and developer Schell Brothers, which gave a significant donation.

Another reason LeBlanc created the fundraiser was to inspire other community members to give back, she said. The Christian Storehouse accepts new or gently used clothes, furniture, toys and more. It also accepts food donations or working vehicles.

Those who wish to donate can also do so directly on the Christian Storehouse’s website, christianstorehousethriftstore.org. The warehouse is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday to Saturday. For information, call 302-934-8151.