Many people are familiar with a Little Free Library, where people put books in a box for others to read. Now, a Vermilion Heights man has expanded on that, creating what he calls a “blessing box” for people to give food to and take food from.
Stacey Henderson, who is a man of deep faith, says he got the idea while searching for something to do for others.
Audio Player“It seemed as I read my Bible, the needy poor were tugging at my heart,” he explained. “In over 300 times in the Bible the Lord talks about helping the needy and the poor. I said, ‘OK, Lord, what would you have me do for my community and my world?’ and then I read a story about a blessing box.”
With the help of a carpenter and his family, the Blessing Box opened last week in Henderson’s yard. He says several people have come by in the last week to take non-perishable food off of the shelf, while also donating some items to the box. The box contains canned goods and pasta on the shelf, fresh fruit and vegetables underneath, as well as Bibles.
Henderson says the box is just the beginning of what he has planned.
Audio Player“And then in the fall, my wife is going to start a clothing ministry. We’re going to have it on the fence over here, and it’s going to be called ‘Freely You Have Received, Freely Give.’ We’ll put out coats and hats in the winter for the needy poor.”
Henderson says anyone wanting to donate food can leave it in the box or on his front porch. The box is located at the corner of Warrington Avenue and Avenue A in the Heights.
He says anyone wanting to donate money to support the blessing box can email him at blessingboxministry@gmail.com.
