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‘Blessing Boxes’ bless each day

By DAWN HANKINS - dhankins@t-g.com
Posted 2/12/22

Some are locker size and others medium-sized. They contain spiritual messages to prayers. But the bigger picture of Bedford County’s “Blessing Box” program is that it is warming hearts both physically and spiritually all across the county.  

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‘Blessing Boxes’ bless each day

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Some are locker size and others medium-sized. They contain spiritual messages to prayers. But the bigger picture of Bedford County’s “Blessing Box” program is that it is warming hearts both physically and spiritually all across the county.  

Blessing boxes are outdoor pantries that are filled with non-perishable foods, toiletries, school supplies and other small necessities. Boxes are accessible any time to anyone. The boxes provide goods for needy families and those who live outdoors, says Letisia Diaz, who helped organize the local ministry.  

Letisia recently explained how she got started with local Blessing Boxes. It was actually when she found three boxes within the city limits.  

“I started talking about them, and was surprised to learn that very few knew what blessing boxes were and that we have some boxes of our own. A sweet friend of mine helps with boxes in Rutherford County. She inspired and encouraged me to begin the Facebook group called ‘The Blessing Boxes of Bedford County.’ We hope to see many more boxes added throughout our community. We hope that our community sees that there are people who care and wish to help in any little way possible. Our goal is to spread love and be a light just as Jesus did during his ministry.”  

Blessing boxes can be located all throughout the community, according to Letisia. More box locations are being planned. Anyone wishing to place a box must have permission from the establishment’s property owner and should be approved by neighbors.  

For those wanting to donate hotel stay toiletries like shampoo and soap, Blessing Box organizers ask that those be placed in a sealable bag. The boxes are sprouting up all over Bedford County.  

Some locations include Green Hill Presbyterian Church in Bell Buckle, Bird and Morton Streets, Edgemont Baptist Church, Front Street in Normandy, Scott United Methodist in Shelbyville, Living Water Church in Unionville and Cascade Middle School.  

See the ‘Blessing Boxes of Bedford County’ Facebook page to become involved.  

“Do’s” and “don’ts” for boxes:  

  • DO remove individually wrapped items from boxes (pop tarts, snack bars, juices, waters, feminine hygiene, etc.) so more than one person can benefit from these items.
  • DO leave miscellaneous items such as flashlights with batteries, individually wrapped plasticware, and hand warmers.
  • DO try to leave pop-top canned goods for easier access for the children and the homeless.
  • DO leave socks, beanies, gloves, rolled throw blankets.
  • DO NOT leave clothing, shoes, household items.
  • DO NOT leave anything on the ground. Critters will quickly get into items and possibly ruin what is there.