The Blessing Box

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Beginnings and ongoing blessings

The Blessing Box ministry began in 2018 as an Eagle Scout project, after Spirit of Grace had identified food insecurity as a big need in the local community. Andrew Seng responded with an idea to build the Blessing Box, a place for neighbors to help neighbors. He and his troop created a large wooden box with 3 shelves and two doors and installed it outside the church’s front entrance as an emergency food pantry.

Andrew with the Blessing Box
Spirit of Grace’s Andrew Seng created the Blessing Box as his Eagle Scout project, built with the assistance of Troop 308 of Walled Lake.

The Blessing Box provides emergency non-perishable food and household supplies to neighbors in need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The sign on the door says: “Leave what you can. Take what you need.” And people do!

Spirit of Grace relies on donations to keep the Blessing Box filled, and we are especially grateful to Roosevelt Elementary School for their two annual food drives. Along with church members, neighbors also donate to the box. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, it grew into a community-wide effort of neighbors helping to feed hungry neighbors.  

If you would like to donate to the Blessing Box, you can put your donations directly into the box or drop them off at church during office hours. The list of non-perishable food and household supplies needed can be found below. Monetary donations are also welcome and can be mailed to the church with “Blessing Box” noted. 

This Blessing Box lives up to its name. Both the receivers and the givers are truly blessed!

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We accept the following non-perishable foods and household supplies:

  • Cereal, oatmeal
  • Canned stew, soup or chili
  • Beans (dry or canned)
  • Canned fruit juice
  • Canned fruits and vegetables
  • Macaroni & cheese
  • Pancake mix/Bisquick
  • Crackers
  • Canned tuna or meat
  • Spaghetti sauce
  • Pasta, rice
  • Peanut butter, jelly/jam
  • Shelf-stable milk
  • Healthy snacks for kids
  • Condiments
  • Laundry detergent
  • Bath soap, shampoo
  • Diapers
  • Toilet paper
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Deodorant, toothpaste

Items we cannot accept:

  • Perishable foods: fresh meat, dairy, fruit and vegetables
  • Household goods such as dishes, tools, appliances
  • Shoes or boots
  • Clothing
  • Car seats
  • Holiday decorations
In 2020, the Blessing Box was featured on Civic Center TV. Louise Bugg and Interim Pastor Peggy Rose talked about how it has grown into a community-wide effort of neighbors helping to feed hungry neighbors.