Take what you need.
Leave what you can.
Little becomes much
in the Holy One’s hand.
What is a
Blessing Box?
The concept is simple. The Blessing Box is a
miniature food pantry. It is for receiving items from those who want to donate,
and offering to those who need them. Whether you're taking or giving, the
Blessing Box is open. 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 some areas where there is food insecurity, the Blessing Box is
most often for those who are not easily able to meet everyday food and personal
needs. In other neighborhoods, the Blessing Box might stock after-school snacks
for neighborhood kids or that "cup of sugar" you never have when you
need it. 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 small safety
net.
Tips for
Donating
Please be mindful of the Season. In Summer nothing that would spoil easily
from the heat. In Winter nothing that might freeze and become damaged.
Please be mindful of Safety
NO SHARPS (razors, needles, etc), NO
CHEMICALS (harsh or dangerous cleaners, etc).
NOTHING ALCOHOLIC, CIGARETTES or anything ILLEGAL.
Please be mindful of Space. Items will ONLY be accepting in the Blessing
Box. NO donations will be accepted
inside church building. NO donations of
clothing (except new gloves, and or hats in winter).
Ideas of Things to Donate
Non-Perishable Food Items.
Please note: If in a can, please
make sure it has a pull-tab top as can openers may not available.
Peanut
butter, Canned tuna, ham, chicken, Canned
soups, stews, chili with pull-top, Granola / protein bars, Nuts, Oatmeal, cereal, etc., crackers, Baby food, Pediasure / protein drinks for adults or children, Shelf-stable
milk, Beans / peas, Kitchen Staples
(flour, sugar, salt & pepper)- in sealed packaging, Pasta sauce, One-box meals
Hygiene Items: Shampoo / conditioner, Bar soap, Toothpaste / toothbrushes / floss, Brushes / combs, Deodorant, Body wash, Feminine care products, Adult diapers, Children’s bath products (baby wash, lotion, diaper cream, wipes, etc)
Calvary’s Blessing Box is the gift of Brenda and Tim
Armstrong to the Church and Calvary’s gift to our neighborhood
May 30, 2021
+
Calvary Episcopal Church
106 Line St., Charleston, SC 29403
Calvary1847@gmail.com * 843-723-3878
