Blessing box has become a blessing

St. John’s Episcopal Church’s blessing box on Railroad Avenue in Center Moriches has becoming a blessing, though some of the items donated haven’t been fitting the criteria of the non-frigerated offerings.

The box just turned four years old and has since become an integral part of the community. According to Barbara Champ, liaison for the box is completely community run, and donations ebb and flow as residents give.

“The box is really community driven,” she said, noting community groups like the Knights of Columbus, soccer clubs, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and residents keep it running. “When the community can give, the box is quite full. When times are leaner, the box is a little emptier.”

The box is filled weekly (sometimes twice weekly) with nonperishable items and some occasional dry goods like new work gloves, socks, etc., by interested groups and community members, and is available for anyone in need of a little extra.

“The [box] doesn’t ask [for] immigration status or for ID,” added Champ.

However, there has been a recent uptick in items that should not be included in the donations, like milk or veggies. Rather, items needed must be nonperishables, ready-to-eat meals that don’t require refrigeration, and popular items like canned protein.

“Anything shelf-stable,” Champ said, also explaining someone recently donated cat and dog food, too. “No one is going to want to use it if they keep seeing garbage and rotting food in it.”

During the pandemic, Helping Makes U Happy partnered with the church and sponsored the blessing box, which was originally donated by Neighbors Being Human, and installed near the sidewalk in front of the church.

The original idea, according to Keith Caputo, of Helping Makes U Happy, was to help feed neighbors in need. HMUH often checks the box and helps add to it. The organization also helps post when it’s empty or in need of particular items.  

“Maybe you can’t get to a food pantry at the day/time it’s open; maybe you just ran short,” he said.

To donate to the box or for more information, contact the church at 631-878-0022.