Spotlight on Ministry: The Blessing Box

Situated at the church's southeasternmost driveway, just off of Haverstick Road, sits a structure that looks a little bit like a homemade doll house on stilts. This wonderful creation -- a Blessing Box -- was designed, built, and installed by Girl Scout Troop 1700, a wonderful group of young ladies who have been meeting at the church on Thursday evenings for just over a year.

Cool! Sooo... What Is This Box...?

The Blessing Box (or Little Free Pantry) is a weather and animal-proof structure that stores food and other comfort items for our neighbors in need. It's accessible 24/7 and restocked daily by UCI staff and volunteers -- because we see clear evidence of daily use!

Take What You Need. Give What You Can...

In the few months since our Blessing Box was installed, we have witnessed how powerful this zero-barrier access point can be! Through this program, we not only support neighbors who are facing homelessneess and food insecurity but also build easy, relevant relationships with individuals and community organizations who are looking for a way to donate needed goods.

What We Have Learned...

Since the Blessing Box is outside, and therefore not climate controlled, we've had to develop some seasonal stocking strategies. Extreme heat and cold can decrease the shelf life of some food and toiletry items. Bottled and boxed liquids can freeze or explode in extreme heat or cold, and things like chocolate can easily melt -- so we are very mindful about weather conditions when stocking the Blessing Box with these items.

The Best Items For The Blessing Box:

• Dry goods: oatmeal, macaroni and cheese, dried beans, rice and other whole grains, dry pasta, coffee, tea, boxed dry soups, powdered milk
• Individually packaged snacks: boxes of raisins, granola bars, protein bars, fruit snacks, juices
• Easy-open (pop top) items and foods not requiring kitchen preparation: nuts, dried fruits, granola, cereal, applesauce, peanut butter, tuna packets, pull-top applesauce, and pudding packs
• Toiletries: baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, facial tissue, soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, ziplock baggies, combs
• Cleaning supplies: dish soap, laundry detergent, paper towels, spray cleaners, wipes
• Comfort items: socks, gloves, hats, handwarmers, blankets, t-shirts, scarves, coats, sweatshirts, shoes -- even small tents -- all in new or like-new condition.
• First aid items: bandages, topical antibiotics, anti-itch crème, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, bug spray
• Additional items: diapers/wipes, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, small children’s books

Any foods that may freeze or burst with extremes of heat or cold may not be appropriate all year long, but safe at certain times; Baby food, cooking oil, canned goods, canned protein items, soups, pudding, juices, etc., are fine if the temperatures stay between 50-75 °F. Any items donated in this category will be stocked in our indoor pantry until it's safe to put them in the Blessing Box.

What Isn't Safe For The Blessing Box...?

• Perishable items that need refrigeration
• Expired food (past its best by date)
• Food with damaged packages
• Dented cans
• Bruised or damaged produce
• Food that is spoiled or moldy
• Home-canned food products
• Opened or re-packaged foods

What I Gave Up For Lent...

Want to help? The Lenten Food & Personal Care Drive will continue through Easter Sunday. You can drop your donations off at the west entry or at the display in the Sanctuary. But, we suggest you personally visit the Blessing Box sometime soon to pray and experience how powerful this simple ministry has become for our neighbors.

It's been an amazing year of generosity through the gardening and benevolence programs at UCI! Many thanks to all our congregants, friends, neighbors, ministry- and community- partners who continue to put kindness and care at the forefront!