Christmas is a time to celebrate,, but with the holiday season in full swing, needs can be amplified. And people help in a number of ways. While the Blessing Box at First Presbyterian Church, Mexico, is an all-year effort, it’s utility is likewise increased as leaves and temperatures fall. The Blessing Box is a coordinated effort by community members and the church and is the brainchild of local business owner, Bri Dean.

The Blessing Box offers a place where those in need can get food, a much-needed service to the Mexico community. Constructed by Bill Friday of Buddy’s Wood Shop, it’s found a permanent home at the church.  

Dean explains how the box came to be.

“I have always thought that this would be nice to have in a small town,” she said. “I was once told that oftentimes kids are so hungry by Monday at school, because they didn’t have much to eat over the weekend. That made me sad and I thought this would be a helpful solution for struggling parents.”

With that weighing heavily on her, the Blessing Box began to take form, with money raised and partners found. 

“I actually fundraised within the community and came up with most of it,” Dean. “Bill discounted the price heavily in order to make this happen as well.”

It is stocked by community members and its resources are available to those in need.

“Anyone that is hungry can use the box,” said Dean.

Inside it are items with a long shelf life and that don’t require temperature control. Examples are easy, quick snacks, meals, cans of soup, mac ‘n cheese,  chips, cookies, and other items.

As word spreads of its presence, the Blessing Box is proving popular.

“I think it is appreciated,” said Dean. “We are still looking for another location for a second one.” 

Like anything new, there are some challenges along the way. One of them was the wear and tear during use.

“The door kept breaking,” Dean said, “so Bill did some heavy duty hinging and I think that is helping greatly.”

Community support is key to the box’s success and so far, so good. With continued mindfulness and giving, it is hoped the Blessing Box will serve for years to come.

“I think that as long as we remember those who may be less fortunate, the box should continue to provide for a very long time,” Dean said.

In addition to Friday, Dean extends appreciation to the church, her husband, Robert Dean, the community and many clients of her business, Dean Dog and Cat Boarding, as well as TYD’s and A1 Towing who both purchased kennel tags as a generous donation.  

Having moved to the area from Ohio four years ago, she’s truly enjoyed becoming part of the community. 

“In that time, I have met so many new people and have grown to really love this small town,” she said. “I am so appreciative of the support of so many in order to make these blessing boxes a reality.”

“The goal is easy, be kind and share,” she said.  “We all learned that in kindergarten!”

Blessing Box  Suggestions 

Family size cans of Chef Boyardee Ravioli, spaghetti and meatballs, beef stew, chili; all in one meal kits like Homestyle bakes brand, Hormel Compleats brand, etc.; shells and cheese, Lipton Knorr pasta and rice sides, DIY ideas (package together in cellophane gift bag or band together with rubber bands) box of pasta, can of chicken, and alfredo sauce, pancake mix with syrup, box of spaghetti, can of ground beef, pasta sauce, taco kit with can of ground beef or pulled pork, loaf of bread with peanut butter and jelly; canned meat-chicken, tuna, ground beef, pulled pork, beef, salmon, mackerel, sardines, Spam; powdered or canned milk, shelf stable liquid milk, milk alternatives; dried goods-pasta, rice, cereal, ramen, dried soups in a bag/box, grits, oats, quinoa, helper kits, boxed potatoes (scalloped and instant; paper goods-t oilet paper, Kleenex, paper towels; fresh fruits and vegetables (if not extreme temps) like bagged apples, bagged oranges, onions, potatoes; Pop-tarts; snacks like chips, goldfish, saltines, cheez its, ritz, peanut butter crackers, Little Debbie’s snacks, applesauce pouches, fruit snacks, cookies, pudding, jello, etc.; canned (in juice not syrup) and dried fruits, canned vegetables-especially tomatoes, canned beans, corn and green beans.

Pre-packaged items seem to be among the most popular items, like single-serve tuna and chicken, granola, cereal, and protein bars.

The theme is that items need to have a shelf-life.And the church accepts non-food items as well.