The leaders taught the girls to place the larger items toward the back of the box to make it easier to see all the stock.
Those who need the items are encouraged to help themselves, while everyone else is urged to restock the Blessing Box, the girls said. A laminated sheet of paper stuck to the glass window reads: "Take what you need, leave what you can."
Amanda Reece, project coordinator for the troop, said the Girl Scouts will earn their Bronze Award by building the box. Reece said she learned about Blessing Boxes by searching service projects in other communities.
She said the girls spent about one month building the box. They purchased about $150 in materials — wood, shingles and concrete — and Kroger donated a $100 gift card that was used to initially stock the box.
Reece said the troop will “monitor” the contents of the box periodically and restock the wooden shelves if necessary. Eventually, she hopes, Middletown area residents will keep the box loaded.
“Some people need more help than others,” Reece said. “If you’re down on your luck and having a hard time, there should be people to help you out. You don’t have to feel embarrassed or anything.”
The girls loaded several grocery bags of canned goods, toiletries, even dog food, in the Blessing Box.
“It makes me happy,” Lacie Lukas said.
Her sister, Gracie, said she believes some of the city’s less fortunate residents and the homeless frequently use Smith Park, located a few blocks from Hope House, a homeless shelter.
“Some people these days live on the streets and they don’t have the meal money to get stuff,” Gracie said. “And this is a chance where they can find food for them for free.”
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