The Blessing Boxes in Ottawa and the surrounding areas are truly a blessing for many people in our area in need of certain items. Lately, there has been a rash of items left that probably should be taken elsewhere. A resident reported that she had stopped at one of the boxes as she noticed a bunch of walmart bags in the blessing box. She was going to take the food out and organized the box. To her surprise, it was not food, but a lot of clothing and shoes someone had put in the box. Blessing Box Director, Julie Riggings says that the boxes are meant for shelf stable food items, water, drink packets, and personal hygiene items such as wet wipes, deodorant, sunscreen, tooth brushes and other hygiene items. Any other items, such as clothes, shoes, household items and others should be donated to Hope House or another charity.
Riggings says she appreciates any and all donations of food or other items, however, any donations of hot food items, perishables, or other items can be brought to the Collective Heart at 2nd and Main. There are 14 Blessing Boxes, including one in Pomona. If you need something, take it. If you can leave something, please do.
