Hilldale Methodist installs blessing box

Recently, Hilldale United Methodist Church installed a food Blessing Box in front of the church located at 750 Hilldale Road east of Lewisport. The idea originated with Jeff Beaver’s Sunday school class.
“We want to use it as an outreach program to let people who are putting food in or taking food out that they are welcome at our church,” Beaver said.

The church already operated a small food pantry during the various breaks the school took throughout the year, such as fall break, winter break and spring break. He said operating this food pantry let the church see the need in the community, and members wanted to do more to help people.

Beaver said Sheila Estes and her husband donated the material for the Blessing Box, while Beaver said he actually built it. Jacob Emmick then painted the box, and the Sunday school class installed it in front of the church.

“I think it is a fantastic opportunity to show the community that our church cares,” Hilldale United Methodist Church pastor Teddy Poore said. “We love our community.”

He said the church wanted to do something to help struggling families in the community. Poore said even though the box went up a little over one week ago, members of the community generously brought items to stock it.

“Almost the day after it was built, it was full of food,” Poore said. “I am super excited at the response.”
Poore wants the community to know the Blessing Box is there for anyone in the community that needs food. Just stop by the church and get the items you need, or put in items to help others.

By Ralph Dickerson