Project Love’s Tom Alexander is Pay it Forward recipient

A Powell Butte man is being recognized for the good deeds he’s done with his church’s organization ‘Project Love’. Tom Alexander has been volunteering as the chairman of the Project Love committee for the past few decades.

The organization helps provide emergency goods and services to those who are struggling. Alexander’s hard work and dedication to this organization is what makes him July’s Pay it Forward recipient.

“The reality is, he has such a servant’s heart,” said Powell Butte Church Elder Larry Andrews.

Years ago, Alexander started a food pantry in his garage; the pantry later merged with Powell Butte Church’s Project Love.

“It just kind of grew from there,” Alexander said. “We started getting phone calls that people needed help, and it kept on growing.”

Twenty years later, the program is still helping those in need. While the church helps those all over the world, Project Love is focused on helping those in Central Oregon.

The donation-based Project Love provides those struggling with food, rent money, firewood for burning, or even housework help for the elderly

“Money comes into Tom’s hands all the time, and it passes right through his hand and not into his pocket but there are always needs,” said Trey Hinkel, the church’s interim pastor.

Once again, money is now coming into Alexander’s hands. On behalf of Mid Oregon Credit Union, Co-Energy Propane and NewsChannel 21, he was presented $500 as the Pay it Forward July recipient.

With so many in need, Alexander said he hasn’t decided how to spend the money, but he knows it will be put to good use, quickly.

“I just can’t express my gratitude, and how happy we are for what you’ve done for us,” Alexander said.

If you’d like to nominate someone for this recognition, you can find the entry form here.