Boxes of Hope is a national effort designed to helps churches provide essential supplies for those affected by the COVID-19 crisis get through illness, quarantine, or unemployment.
Since its start in 2010, Shoes 4 the Shoeless has delivered well over 85,000 pairs of shoes and socks to disadvantaged children within the Miami Valley region.
Through the partnership of the churches, there were 400 boxes and 1,200 bags of food compiled, which provided almost 10,000 meals for 850 people in the community. In addition to the donations, 130 volunteer drivers helped deliver food to people’s homes.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly presented us with many challenges, but it has also provided opportunities to help people in our community find hope. One of those opportunities was Boxes of Hope,” said Jane Piatt, community engagement specialist, Fairhaven Church.
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The Boxes of Hope effort was started by the Evangel Church in New Jersey after the pastor learned that one of the member of the congregation has contracted the coronavirus.
Churches can sign up through the website, which has a map to point people in need to a church in their area.
Churches are cautioned to follow Centers for Disease Control recommendations, with volunteers wearing gloves and masks, and carefully monitored for any possible exposure prior to being allowed to serve.
For the local churches that partnered to help so many people, the feedback was so positive and heartwarming that the effort is set to begin again next week.
“People were very grateful and many were moved that people they didn’t know were so willing to help,” Piatt said. “And it was a great opportunity for churches in our community to come together and meet the needs of our neighbors.”
The next food collection will take place from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, May 18 at the First Baptist Church of Kettering, 3939 Swigart Road, 45440. To help or sign-up visit signupgenius.com/go/food4thepeopleround4.
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