Franciscan Health creates Blessing Box for those in need

A new Blessing Box, designed to be a collection point for donated non-perishable food items and toiletries and a resource for those in need to take what they need, has been placed in a convenient, easily and accessible location on the Franciscan Health Olympia Fields campus.

The Franciscan Health Mission Integration team started this initiative to help meet the needs of hospital patients, visitors and staff, as well as the whole community. Its intent is entirely consistent with the Franciscan ministry and mission.

“During these challenging times, we are all privileged to both receive and to give”, said Sister M. Ruth Luthman, OSF, Vice President, Mission Integration. “The Blessing Box reflects our Franciscan heritage in a unique fashion. Our logo includes two hands: the giving and the receiving hand. The Giving Hand is prepared to minister Christ’s healing to the weak, the suffering and the vulnerable. The Receiving Hand is ready to receive Christ’s healing power through our joyful, sensitive Franciscan ministry.”

Marisa Anzur, a registered electro-neurodiagnostic technician and a Mission Integration team member, worked closely with the team to make this box available to all those in need of a little help.

“We really want to do two things with this box,” Anzur said. “We hope to encourage people with the capability to donate to do so and to encourage those who need the extra blessing in their lives to visit the box. My hope is that the scripture placed on the box, Philippians 4:19; And My God Will Supply All Your Needs According to His Riches In Glory In Christ Jesus, will help motivate people to do just that; feed those who may be hungry and feed the need to heal without judgement.”

The Blessing Box was handcrafted by Paul Loverin, a local craftsman and the father of Karen Burnello, the Franciscan Health Director of Education Services. Mr. Loverin donated his time, talent and materials, and enlisted the help of his lifelong friend, Mel Voigt to complete the project.

Father Philip Cycscon offered prayers and blessed the new Blessing Box on June 24.

The Blessing Box can be found on the southwest side of the hospital campus, near the former emergency room entrance.

Donations may be placed directly in the Blessing Box at any time or dropped off at the hospital’s Electroencephalogram (EEG) department located near the hospital main entrance during regular business hours.