Larry's Story

Larry's Corner was founded the day after an EF3 tornado devastated a 23-mile path through St. Louis (May 16, 2025). With no electricity, many buildings destroyed or heavily damaged, with streets and yards filled with debris, Larry and a friend decided to barbecue what meat they had on hand and share it with their neighbors.

The barbecues continued day after day. At the peak in late summer 2025, "cooking for friends" grew to serving lunch and dinner to 200 people from the surrounding community.

Every day, the food stand serves food, clothing, shoes, cleaning supplies, to those in need. Larry welcomes all, and the food stand is known as a safe space for those who need a way station as they seek more-permanent help.

The food and goods are provided by generous donors. Donors fund the day-to-day costs (such as funds for gas to run the generator to power the freezers and refrigerators where perishable donations are stored). All of the workers, including Larry, are volunteers.