In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the idea of a blessings box came to fruition after Leigh Jones and Deanna Noble met with community leaders to decide on a location. They’d researched various kinds of boxes and found the one they were interested in building with the goal to serve a community and be accessible by foot traffic to those that may have a greater need. 

“This is about our community; it is about helping people that may not have access to a prepared meal every day. Food is essential to thrive and if we make a little difference, it may be the biggest difference for someone who may be going without,” said Jones.

The box was put up at Holloway Park in November 2020 and monitored by Jones and Noble who restocked it by-weekly. It costs them about $50-$75 a week to restock the box. The idea behind the box is to take what is needed and give what can be given. Due to the colder weather, toboggans, gloves and hand warmers have been added along with the food items in the box. While the warming items moved quickly, neither the food nor the clothing has been replaced by members of the community as often as Jones and Noble hoped. 

“We don’t think it’s because people don’t want to give, we just need to get the word out,” said Jones.

They have received support from community groups such as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Corey Povar, director of the Parks and Recreation Department, and members of his staff were inspired by the pilot blessings box and have built another one that has been placed at Fairfield.

“This is a perfect example of the support we need from the community to expand this project city and countywide,” said Noble.

The blessings box runs on community support. Any non-perishable food items, personal hygiene items, as well as hats and gloves during the colder months can be donated by placing them in the blessings box for other members of the community to receive. 

"We want everyone to know that when times are tough, there are opportunities to “Lean on Lenoir”,” said Noble.

It costs about $400-$500 to build a box for those who are interested in starting one in their community. Questions about the blessings box can be directed to leanonlenoir@gmail.com.