Hampton church answers need with blessing box

“Take what you need. Leave what you can.” This is a well-known mantra adopted by churches when they begin their blessing boxes.

Members of Bethany Lutheran Church of Gibsonia took the mantra to heart when they established their blessing box in November. Alyce Jacob and other congregation members took on the project to ensure that every community member would have access to food and other essential items.

“A lot of people have lost their jobs, and the prices of everything are going up like crazy,” said Jacob. “We wanted to make sure that people would have help when they needed it.”

When first starting the project, Jacob researched blessing boxes and found that there are not many in the community.

“I think that we may be the only one in Hampton,” she said.

A large box built by Slais Contracting of Etna is located in the parking lot of the church. Its shelves remain consistently stocked with items ranging from boxed and canned foods to diapers and toilet paper.

“When I see people at the box or any of our volunteers, I ask them what food they would want or what essential items they would be looking for,” said Jacob. “That way, we can get some ideas about what to order next.”

There is a trunk under the box for people to place donations. Any essential item is accepted, including fresh produce in the summer. When donations are low or specific items are needed, a congregation member orders them from a store so nobody goes without.

Jacob put extensive thought into her ideas for the box’s construction. The structure is on stilts, and there are double latches on the door to protect the supplies inside from wandering animals and weather. Its doors are coated with sealant that keeps flies and other insects outside.

A slanted roof hangs over the front of the box to block people from the rain when selecting their food. The top of the structure is vented so the food is able to stay fresh in hot weather, and the wire shelves inside were added to hold more supplies and keep spills easy to clean.

Jacob also requested the box to be built near a light so people are able to see the selection when they visit at night.

Food and other supplies that do not fit in the box are kept in a storage room in the church so the shelves can be replenished every few days. The box and other donation programs are managed by congregation members.

The church, located at 5155 N. Pioneer Road in Hampton, also offers a “Soxbox,” where people can donate and take new pairs of socks.

“Not only does Bethany invite people to use our box, but also invite them to our worship services and Bible studies,” said Jacob. “Not only is our blessing box open, but our church is open to all.”

For more information, visit www.bethanylutherangibsonia.com.