by Pauline Childs
No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” Aesop
Many people want to help but don’t know how “ said nineteen year Orchid Childs, member of Temple Solel. With that simple thought the blessing box was born.
Childs further explained that they were practicing Tikkun Olum, the Jewish belief in repairing the world.
A blessing box is similar to a little free library but with food.
The box, located just inside the Grace Presbyterian driveway (and visible from 160) encourages people to “Take what you need. Leave what you can.” Organizers explained that according to Feeding America, approximately 14% of North and South Carolina residents are food insecure and organizers help that will help families who may need a little extra help.
Childs reached out to faith partners, Grace Presbyterian Church and through a grant from the church, a lot of hard work and good luck the blessing box has come to fruition.
“Our new blessing box is a symbol of community care and support. It’s a place where neighbors can give what they can and take what they need, fostering kindness and connection for all.”Steve Hamilton, Local Missions Team, Grace Presbyterian Church.
“We all rely on others to achieve in life – and when short on basics, we rely on others to help sustain us. This blessing box gives us the opportunity to support each other anonymously.” said Steve Yaffe, President of Temple Solel.
Meaning of the Box
Because the box is a joint project of Temple Solel and Grace Presbyterian, the design of the box reflects the interfaith partnership.
The back of the box has a graduated green and blue background with the Church’s dove and the Temple’s star. The tree of life is in the center.
What the community can do
The guidelines of the blessing box are explained on the box as well.
Organizers hope that this will become a true community box and that people will truly “Take what they need and leave what they can.” If community members wish to make donations, some suggested items are:
- Cans with pull tops
- Granola bars
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Crackers
- Noodles and/or sauce
- Mac and Cheese
- Basic toiletries like toothbrushes, toothpaste, diapers, wipes
Any other non perishable items
Be yourself but be your best self
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