Blessing Boxes

Story by Rose Marie Sand

“Mankind’s greatest blessing is its Humanity.”

—

Perhaps one of the best kept secrets and one of the best things about Slidell can be found in small boxes scattered throughout the city and surrounding areas. Called “Blessing Boxes” or “Community Love Boxes,” these small house-type structures on front lawns of some businesses or homes in the area provide resources to help struggling or unhoused people with the basics of life.

“Food Insecurity was one of the main reasons why the box idea was started,” explained Amy Thomas. Amy and her husband, Eric, have been involved with building, maintaining, and stocking the little pantries since 2018.

The Thomases and a band of volunteers check the boxes often and resupply as needed.

One such volunteer, mother and daughter duo Meg and Rai, consider the blessing boxes a direct, anonymous, and comfortable way to help others.

“We have been in need in the past and we relied on food pantries,” said Meg. “When we were at our lowest, we had to accept help. Because of the food boxes, people don’t have to ask for help - it’s not awkward or uncomfortable for the recipients. It became more important because people need more.”

“There are many church programs that provide meals for holidays, or even weekly hot meals. But we would think about the recipients and wonder how they are doing all of the other days of the year. It made me feel I needed to do it more often.”

Her daughter, Rai, has been restocking a few boxes for quite a while but explained that especially during the pandemic years, filling the boxes filled a need to safely help others.

She also realized that they provide an always available place for people to get things to eat who may not have transportation or refrigerators.

She said her friends know of her passion for the boxes because of her social media posts, and they often donate items or dollars to help.

Social media has also been the way that Amy Thomas, who created and maintains the boxes, reaches out for assistance with maintenance on a Facebook page called “Community Love Boxes.”

“Every six months or so, I put a call out on my Facebook page for box maintenance help. The maintenance consists of basic cleaning, small repairs such as tightening of the doors etc. I also ask that they let me know if the box needs serious repairs such as new wood, plexiglass, paint etc.”

“Most box keepers are good about taking care of the boxes and letting me know if they need anything throughout the year. I am very lucky to have such great keepers. They are truly amazing,” Amy said.

Rai’s dedication to stocking the boxes has her traveling to salvage stores to find boxed milk, healthy cereal, peanut butter, ramen, and canned goods with a pull tab.