An initiative launched earlier this year to bless the less fortunate with food in Bradford has been the recent recipient of multiple blessings itself.
Since reaching out on Facebook for help filling one of the Blessing Boxes of Bradford locations, organizers say that the box on 31 Boylston St. will now be full for about three months, said Stacy Wallace, one of the organizers.
“As with most things, the boxes were seeing a lot of activity at the beginning,” said Stacy Wallace, one of the organizers of the box effort. “The boxes were wildly successful the first couple of months. We saw a lot of turnover in product so we knew there were people donating and accepting the donations regularly –– by regularly I mean multiples times in a day. During the last week things slowed down, but then we did a Facebook push and during the weekend saw a lot of activity. “
Now one couple is taking on the box for a month, a teacher and her classroom have taken a month, and a church has taken a month, Wallace said.
“Individuals are still urged to supplement the donors of the box at Chautauqua Place. The Ascension Church manages that box, but we cannot keep the boxes filled fast enough so please help at that location as well,” Wallace said.
Ultimately, Wallace said she hopes that the blessing box effort will bring joy to individuals’ lives.
Initially the effort involved requesting nonperishable items, but now with the food being taken quickly, Wallace said it appears that some perishable items are good to donate.
“We wouldn’t want anything sticky (like peaches for example) but we have seen zucchini and bread donated and those items don’t stay in the box long,” she said. “Canned and boxed goods are always great. We like to put items on the bottoms shelf that smaller kids can reach such as cracker sandwiches and fruit snacks.”
Other items that work well are hot and cold cereal, pasta and rice.
People are also encouraged to donate sanitary and baby items, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, toilet paper, diapers and baby socks.
“The notion behind the blessing box is to bless others. It does tend to help those hungry or in financial need the most, but it may also be used to help a busy mom whose child needs a granola bar to tide her over until a late dinner,” Wallace said. “Take what you need. Leave what you can. And above all be blessed.”
Organizers are also looking to expand their reach in Bradford. Wallace said she wants to add one or two more locations. Co-organizer, Amanda Kemick, said she’d love to see boxes installed in the lobbies at Bradford Area Public Library and Bradford Regional Medical Center.
“For the boxes, I would be happy to pick the items up. I don’t want anyone to be intimidated at the thought of committing for a month,” Kemick said. “Anything is appreciated.”
For individuals interested in filling the boxes for a month, send a message via “Blessing Boxes of Bradford” Facebook page or call Wallace at Hamlin Bank at 814-887-5555.
