Scattered throughout the Branson and Hollister areas are several small pantries, designed to hold nonperishable food items for those in our community who are in need.
Known as Blessing Boxes, the first of these pantries was installed in 2017 by the Branson Chamber Leadership Class, as that year's class service project. While the original Blessing Box, located at the Yacht Club in Hollister, has since relocated, the Blessing Boxes continue to offer a much-needed service to members of our community who find themselves without food.
Stocked by members of the community and a variety of local organizations, the Blessing Boxes provide food, with no questions asked, to anyone in need. Many of the boxes display a sign that reads "Take What You Need – Leave What You Can." Often the Blessing Boxes make a difference in whether a member of our community – or a family – can have a meal on any given day.
During the slower months in our tourist-driven area, the Blessing Boxes are often bare, and the generosity of the community is crucial in keeping those pantries stocked. The Blessing Boxes are always in need of dry goods, snacks, protein-rich foods and microwaveable, single-serve food items. Other suggestions are canned tuna or chicken, powdered or boxed milk, canned pastas, tea bags and coffee, sugar and flour, canned soups, peanut butter, crackers, instant oatmeal, pudding cups, apple sauce, granola bars, individual snack items, etc. Foods that need little to no preparation and canned items with pop tops are best for those who are homeless or living in extended-stay lodging and may not have the resources to cook. Hygiene items, and warm hats and gloves are also welcome. Please do not leave opened food items, expired items, perishable food, or clothing items.
Helping keep the Blessing Boxes stocked is an excellent and inexpensive way to help those in need in the area. It is as simple as adding a few extra items to your list when doing your weekly shopping and dropping those items off at your nearest Blessing Box.
Currently, the Blessing Boxes are located at Real Life Church (136 Hill Billy Lane, Hollister), House of Hope/Riley's Treasures (217 Veterans Boulevard, Branson), Christian Action Ministries (2400 State Highway 165, Branson), Flowers by the Stemmery (2045 South Business Highway 65, Hollister) and Forsyth Police Department/City Hall, (15405 U.S. Highway 160, in Forsyth). A similar small pantry is located at the Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church, (107 Walnut Lane, Branson), and additional Blessing Boxes can be found in the Stone County communities of Branson West and Reeds Spring.
To learn more about the Blessing Boxes, visit their dedicated Facebook page, Blessing Boxes of the Ozarks.
Comentarios