The Leadership Harrison County Class of 2023 is bringing the Little Free Pantry project to Harrison County.

The grand opening and ribbon-cutting to celebrate the first of six LFPs will be Wednesday, May 24, at 6 p.m., with a rain date of Wednesday, May 31, at 6 p.m. The ceremony will take place at the Boys & Girls Club of Harrison-Crawford Counties located at 134 Jenkins Court NE in Corydon.

Each leadership class identifies a need in the community and creates a project to address that need. The 2023 class chose the Little Free Pantry as its class project recognizing many individuals and families are struggling with basic needs.

Pantries combat local food insecurities by supporting those unable to meet everyday food and personal needs. In addition to non-perishable food items, pantries will include feminine hygiene products; assorted size diapers; socks for children, men and women; and adult diapers for men and women.

Anyone may access the LFP at any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The pantries provide a safe, non-judgmental location for those in need to get food assistance. Neighbors are encouraged to take what they need and give what they can.

The six locations will each have a plaque displayed in honor of Jacob McClanahan, a volunteer firefighter with several different fire departments in Harrison County who died while being a good Samaritan on May 16, 2022.

“Jacob’s service as a volunteer firefighter was just one way he touched our community,” said Michelle Dayvault, a Leadership Harrison County 2023 class member. “Jacob was committed to helping everyone he could and was known for his acts of kindness, selflessly stopping to help friends and strangers alike in need. With these pantries, we honor his memory in our community forever.”

A list of recommended food and items needed for the pantries can be found on the Leadership Harrison County Facebook page or website at www.leadershipharrisoncounty.org.

In addition to the Corydon location, other pantry sites will be installed in Lanesville, Ramsey, Palmyra, Mauckport and Laconia. Local businesses, fire departments and nonprofits have adopted each of the LFP site locations and local churches, businesses and clubs will assist with keeping the pantries stocked. In addition, anyone can donate items to any of the pantries at any time.

The LFP project was made possible with in-kind materials from K-I Lumber & Building Materials, Limeberry Lumber, a fundraiser at Cluckers’ Corydon location and individual donations.

The pantries were built by industrial arts students and painted by visual art students at Corydon Central, North Harrison and South Central high schools, 2023 LHC class members and other volunteers.

In 1997, Leadership Harrison County became an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization driven by its volunteer board of directors and dedicated to developing servant leaders for tomorrow. Since 1995, LHC has enrolled a class of adults who dedicate one day per month to delving into challenges and opportunities in Harrison County and building their personal leadership skills and networks to contribute to their community.

To help support LHC programs, visit www.leadershipharrisoncounty.org/donate.