Located in front of Amazing Grace Lutheran Church in downtown Waxhaw is a small glass front cabinet.  On top is a sign that says, “Take what you need.  Bring what you can.  Above all be blessed!” and inside is food and other necessities.  Created by Connor Harvey, of Waxhaw, as an Eagle Scout project, the Blessing Box was installed in September of 2016.  All of the things inside of the Blessing Box are donated, many by the congregation but there have been anonymous donations as well.   Pastor Josh Tucker of Amazing Grace explains, “It has been great for the community.  No appointment is needed to receive the blessings.  It’s not a traditional donation center.  People can come anytime day or night, it is a 24/7 thing.”

Tommy Laughlin, a member of the church, works closely with other congregants to ensure a variety of items are in the box.  It might contain canned vegetables, canned chicken or tuna, easy to cook items like heat and serve soups, baby items, or sanitary items.  Laughlin has even seen gas and grocery gift cards in the box.  He explains they see an increase of items taken from the box at the end of the week and again at the end of the month.

Pastor Tucker said he has been amazed to see the vast array of items, but they are having a difficult time keeping it stocked since they rely on donations.  In the beginning, people were concerned about who would be using the box.  “How do you know that people need it?  We put faith in God that people will come and take as they truly need and not take advantage of it.  We haven’t seen any evidence that people are taking advantage.”

Donations can be placed directly in the Blessing Box itself;

or if you have a large donation, it can be left on the church steps to be put out as needed.  It is important to remember that donations are needed not only during the holiday season but year round, as hunger is not seasonal.