Blessing Box: Plainfield-Area Church Offers Free Food Pantry

JOLIET, IL -- A local church recently launched a "Blessing Box" to help residents in need who may be afraid of the stigma of registering with an area food pantry.

Hope United Methodist Church pastor Linny Hartzell said the Blessing Box is a "little free pantry" aimed at offering essentials liked canned goods, healthy juices and necessities like soap and shampoo.

The box is open 24/7 to those who want to anonymously pick up items, as well as those who would like to make donations. It's located on the property of the church, 2506 Caton Farm Road.

"Those who are in need can help themselves," Hartzell said, adding that no ID or registration is necessary. "Sometimes being needy, there's a stigma attached to it."

Youth members of Hope UMC built the pantry in February and it opened to the community in March.

Hartzell said she hopes the pantry can provide items that are often not covered by SNAP or other programs, such as non-food necessities like soap and toothpaste.

"It's supplementary for those in need," she said.

It's also a spot where community members can donate items such as baby food, cereal, beans, canned goods and other items, according to Hartzell.

Community members can drop by the pantry any time of day or night. Hartzell said church members check the box weekly to see what items need to be replenished. Those in need of specific items can also contact the church to request them at (815) 436-2209 or hopeumc.1@sbcglobal.net.

"We are also in the process of working on summer feeding program for children," Hartzell said, adding that summer can be a tough time for families whose children receive free or reduced-price meals during the school year. Other projects in the works at Hope UMC include a clothing giveaway for children, backpack and school supply giveaways, and backpack blessing at the end of summer, she said.