What is a Blessing Box?
In 2022, members of Scout Troop 387 helped construct a Blessing Box for the church and community. The concept is simple. The Blessing Box is a miniature food pantry on the northwest corner of our parking lot. It is for receiving items from those who want to donate, and offering to those who need them. Whether you're taking or giving, you can just do to the Blessing Box. There is no lock on it- it's open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Who is the Blessing Box for?
The Blessing Box is for neighbors helping neighbors. In many areas, the Blessing Box is most often for those who are not easily able to meet everyday food and personal needs. In all places, the Blessing Box is for those who want and/or need to give.
How does this Blessing Box differ from other food pantries?
- The Blessing Box is small, so it cannot stock the quantity and variety other food pantries can. For this reason, it should not be relied on for meeting every need.
- Many food pantries require application before use and have set hours of operation. Anyone may access the Blessing Box at any time.
- Food pantries operate as service providers, those who use them as clients. The Blessing Box gets rid of that boundary. Whether stocking or taking items, everyone approaches the Blessing Box the same way, hopefully removing the shame that accompanies need.
- Food pantries are critical in addressing food insecurity. But some fall through the cracks. The Blessing Box is a safety net.
How do I help stock the Blessing Box?
The Blessing Box is stocked organically. Those who wish to contribute may do so whenever it is convenient for them. Demand outpaces supply, so the Blessing Box is often empty. However, empty shelves are problematic only if no one is contributing. Please note that irregular supply is an effective control keeping both consumption and traffic manageable. Irregular supply minimizes loitering as well.
Overall the Blessing Box is a way to Bless your neighbors, it is not a food pantry replacement.