There is a new addition to the Quebec Community Center off Rosman Highway that is helping neighbors reach out and share with one another. A Blessing Box stands more than five feet tall and is located near the QCC’s entrance. The motto: “Take what you need – Leave what you can” explains the premise behind the anonymous donation box that is meant to be a resource for locals.

The idea for the Blessing Box came from WNCSource staff member Deb Haight who had her husband construct the box. Volunteers from Lake Toxaway Charities including Frank Stark and Matt and Saunders Grommesh teamed up with Carl Hendrix and Mike Kirkman, Quebec Community Center president, to install the Blessing Box. The box’s contents will continually change as people contribute to or remove non-perishable food, paper products, hygiene and personal items.

Blessing Boxes are small cupboard-size structures that encourage people to share their excess food, clothing and other supplies with their less fortunate neighbors. Usually erected by churches, scout troops, civic clubs and concerned citizens, these neighborhood pantries have increasingly popped-up in communities across the country where individuals and families enjoy supporting local needs. A Blessing Box was recently constructed by the Rosman High School carpentry class and installed earlier this year at WNCSource’s Tiger Town Thrift Store. It has quickly become a popular fixture in the Rosman community.

WNCSource is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit based in Hendersonville that assists low income and underserved people in Western North Carolina.

For more information, please contact Terri Bowman at TBowman@WNCSource.org or call (828) 693-1711.