MAXWELTON W.Va. (WVDN) – As the name implies, a blessing box is precisely that – a blessing for those in need. Whether it’s non-perishable food or essential supplies, more people are finding ways to lend a hand to those experiencing hardship. Through the eyes of a child, the appropriate response to the struggle facing many Americans today is quite simple.
“It’s not complicated,” said Lilliana Blankenship. “If people are hungry, you feed them.”
Sisters Lilliana (age 7) and Elora Blankenship (age 8), both from Maxwelton, recently assembled four boxes of food for donation to the blessing boxes located at Shuck Memorial Baptist Church and Greenbrier Valley Church of the Nazarene.
“I’m extremely proud of them,” said their mom, Cherie Blankenship. “We have worked very hard to instill in them that service projects are very important, so when they come up with ideas like this on their own, it shows that we’re doing something right,” she added. “We want to instill kindness, and they’re picking up on it.”
Choosing every item for donation themselves, the young sisters are demonstrating that a giving heart knows no age.
“They bought cookies because they said everyone deserves a cookie,” says Cherie. “It’s very important to us that they understand the significance of donating and giving things to people who need them or who are struggling.”
When asked why they wanted to donate to the area blessing boxes, both sisters were quick to answer.
“Because it’s good to be charitable,” said Elora. “If people are hungry and they haven’t eaten, the blessing box will give them food,” said Lilliana.
A blessing box is an outdoor pantry funded by the donation of friends, neighbors and communities throughout the country. Inspired by the “take what you need, give what you can” initiative, these boxes are designed to be accessible 24/7 and offer a discreet option for those in need to seek help and a way to help those right in your own community.
President Reagan once said, “The spirit of neighbor helping neighbor flows like a deep and mighty river through the history of our Nation.” For Lilliana and Elora Blankenship, that same spirit is alive and well in their community thanks to their generous donation.
