 When I was a child I heard the Grimm’s Fairy Tale, The Elves and the Shoemaker, and it stuck with me ever since. For those of you who are not familiar with this story: Once, through no fault of his own, a shoemaker had fallen on hard times. He had just enough materials left to make a single pair of shoes so he got everything ready then retired to bed for the night. Before falling asleep he said his prayers, thanking God for the things he did have. The next morning, much to his surprise, the shoes he planned to make were already made! Soon, someone came into his shop and were so impressed with the quality, they paid more than his asking price. Now the shoemaker had enough to buy materials for 2 pairs of shoes. He bought the materials, readied them before retiring to bed, and once again the following morning, the shoes were already done! In no time they were purchased and he had money to buy materials for 4 pairs. The same scenario kept repeating itself until at last the shoemaker was back on his feet and in fact doing quite well. He and his wife stayed up late one night to see how this incredible feat was being accomplished. They quickly discovered that it wasn’t magic, it was a group of elves, working together, donating their time and their talents, to make the shoes for the shoemaker to sell.
By supporting the Blessing Box with food and personal item donations, we have a chance to be like the elves from the story: we can lend a hand to those in our community who may have fallen on hard times and need some help to get by for a day or two. The box will be open to anyone at any time: there are no forms to be filled out, no requirements to be met, no judgements to be made; anyone is welcome to take what they want should they have the need. I agreed to be the point person on this outreach endeavor and I need help from the rest of the congregation. Before we can begin filling the box we need items to fill it with. These items must be non-perishable and able to withstand the freezing temperatures outside, meaning nothing with liquid until spring. I’ve compiled a list below of suggested donations but this isn’t an exhaustive list, if you have other ideas, they are welcome too. Items marked with * would be stocked only when temperatures remain above freezing. If you want to help, we’ll be setting out a tote soon where you can drop your donation. Food Items: granola bars, breakfast cereal (individual boxes/cups), instant oatmeal (cups/packets), dry soup (packets/cups), ramen, mac & cheese (cups/boxes), peanut butter & cracker packs, cheese & cracker packs, instant coffee singles, hot cocoa packets, koolaid mixes, pasta, dry pasta sauce mixes, crackers, chips (individual bags), rice, dried beans, boxed/bagged rice/noodle/potato dishes, seasoning packets, dry milk, pudding/jello cups*, jelly*, canned fruit/vegetables*, canned pasta sauce*, peanut butter* Personal Items: bar soap, deodorant, wet wipes, razors, shaving cream, laundry soap powder (small boxes), toothpaste, tooth brushes, gloves, stocking hats, hand warmers, tissues, toilet paper, feminine sanitary products, shampoo*, lotion*, dish soap* I’d like to set up small group of volunteers who can take turns making sure the box is filled after church on Sundays. I believe there are several people who have already expressed an interest when the idea first arose but perhaps there are more of you who would like to help. If you are interested in being part of this group, please see me after service or send me an email and we’ll get started! Also, if you have any questions, please let me know. Rebecca Bishop Comments are closed.
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