A North Hills church has set up an around-the-clock resource called a “blessing box” to help residents who need help with food and other essential items.
“Our church leadership was desperate to do something helpful for people during the stay-at-home orders and subsequent time period,” said the Rev. Niki Atkinson, pastor of Cross Roads Presbyterian Church in Pine Township.
“But so much of what we’re used to doing involves being close to individuals and in proximity of others — things we aren’t supposed to be doing much of right now.
“So this was a way for us to be helpful to the communities around us without being physically present,” Atkinson said.
Items to fill the blessing box were donated by church members and families of the daycare and school that rent space from the church.
To help keep the shelves stocked, the church is seeking donations of the most critically needed items.
Atkinson said the blessing box is being operated as a “take what you need, give when you’re able” initiative.
“There’s no income verification, no zip code requirements, ” she said. “Just an open way to help those who may be tight on money in their current situation and need some food assistance.”
Here are some of the most-needed items for the blessing box:
• Canned food for people and pets
• Diapers and wipes
• Toiletries, toilet paper, sanitary napkins and paper towels
• Cereal, breakfast bars, peanut butter, pasta and skillet meals
• Hand sanitizer, liquid soap, toothbrushes and band aids
Donors can place items directly in the box. If it is full, items can be placed in a box located at the main entrance marked “food bank.”
The church is located at 3281 Wexford Road.
