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Blessing Boxes: First Lutheran Church youth deserve praise

Sometimes it just takes a little push to get good things rolling. Young people who take part in the youth program at First Lutheran Church in Parkersburg found out their good work is already being multiplied, after they decided to make and stock blessing boxes that have been installed near the church’s community garden on 19th Street.

“Every time we go to them, there’s something we didn’t put in there,” said Youth Facilitator Becca Reid, referring to supplies that have apparently been left in the boxes by local residents.

Using a couple of old newspaper boxes, more than 20 members of the youth program decorated and stocked what became blessing boxes during a world famine observance in which they did not eat for 30 hours. Initially, the boxes were filled with hats, gloves, socks, diapers and wipes, trash bags, tissue, toothpaste and other such items, with the slogan “Take what you need; leave what you can.”

Their work has clearly inspired others. But it is also helping those in need, as the students noted items were removed within six hours of the placement, too. Combined with the availability of fresh vegetables when the community garden is in season, the boxes have the potential to be part of a hand up for some folks.

Certainly the newspaper is glad to have been able to contribute in a small way. But the folks at First Lutheran deserve kudos for their ideas and their effort.

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