In my time here in Harrison, the “Blessing Box” at the Library has given me far more than I have given to others through that blue cabinet. “The Blessing Box (nationally) is a faith based nonprofit service organization that will inspire, nurture, and empower the human spirit by providing social services, charitable assistance and emotional/spiritual support to individuals.” -theblessingbox.org
The box at the Library is not a part of that national organization. It is a local idea that citizens here built and stock for those that need food and personal items. The above description is so uplifting to me as a giver. It is what the receiver is meant to feel. But I, as a giver, experience the same, cherished moments. I receive emotional/spiritual support and it puts a big ole smile on my face every single time. Placing personal items in The Blessing Box empowers my human spirit and increases it. Putting food in The Blessing Box inspires me to help others in need. It is such a natural high for me.
I became involved with The Blessing Box in the Harrison and surrounding area through Northark College PBL. PBL stands for Phi Beta Lambda. It is the college version of FBLA, Future Business Leaders of America. FBLA-PBL is the premier student business association. The mission is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs.
At one of the first meetings I attended at Northark, the stocking of the blessing boxes was discussed. Also, I received an email and contacted the chapter President, Brandy Gatlin, about them. I emailed her because I was cleaning out my mom’s pantry (she was moving to Assisted Living) and I wanted to donate those items. From there, I volunteered to be the PBL point person for stocking The Blessing Box at the Boone County Library, 221 W. Stephenson Ave. I go and stock that beautiful (to me) box once a week with personal items and food. It is a real joy to me.
You can find more addresses of local Harrison Blessing Boxes at https://www.facebook.com/pg/NorthArkansasCollegePBL/about/. Please like our page while you are there.
Some simple ways to affordably stock a blessing box is to buy a few discounted items while you are grocery shopping. Also, I got some small cheap zip lock bags and put extra cereal, bread, rice, etc. in them. For a better list of ideas, see the Northark PBL facebook page.
My hope is to get more people to help with the local blessing boxes and feel joy in doing so. And to further others to feel as blessed as I do.
