Drivers along Fourth Street may have caught a glimpse of a new red box in front of Gateway to Hometown Memories. Those who stop and take a look inside will see not only a variety of donated supplies, but growing evidence of neighborly love. Visitors inside Gateway will further learn about the inspiration which led to the Blessing Box’s creation.
“I saw the Blessing Box idea on Facebook last year. There was a lady in Kansas who had taken one of the free libraries people have and instead made it into a Blessing Box, and filled it with items people may need like food, deodorant, diapers and things like that,” says Gateway owner Barb Thompson. “I thought, this is Gateway, Gateway needs one of these because it’s on main street and it would be a good thing to do for the community.”
Thompson commissioned the creation of her own Blessing Box soon after and had it installed at the front of her store earlier this spring. It was built by Jason Maley and features lettering by Angie Hubbs. Thompson says she first realized what an impact the new feature was going to make the evening after it was first put up.
“I stopped back by the store to grab something after we closed, and as I was walking in I stopped and thought, ‘It’s full,’” Thompson says. “Someone had already come the first night and filled it. That was amazing. The next day I drove by and saw there was even more stuff inside.”
Since first being established, Thompson says she’s not seen anyone put donations into the box, nor take anything out. All the activity has been done anonymously.
“I call the people making the donations my Salem angels,” Thompson says. “I came in one day and somebody had put grocery bags full of food in there, and I almost couldn’t shut the door. I’m starting to think our Blessing Box maybe should have been twice as big. It really goes to show you what an awesome community Salem is. When we moved here almost three years ago my family asked, ‘Why are you moving to Salem, Missouri?’ I told them I’ve lived all over the United States, and I can honestly say, of every place I’ve ever been, the people in Salem are the nicest I’ve ever met. So the Blessing Box is just one little way of giving back.”
Thompson says those supporting the Blessing Box may also have a new opportunity with a Celebration Box.
“In that, I think we would fill it with things like party supplies,” Thompson says. “There are a lot of single moms who don’t have the money to do birthday parties for their kids. Even older people aren’t always able to do something special for their spouse. Everyone always has gift bags left over, and other party supplies, like balloons and streamers. So when you have a birthday party for your kids and you don’t use all of the cute character plates, napkins and cups – put them into a zip lock bag and put them into the Celebration Box.”
Thompson says going forward, she is hopeful to see other Blessing Boxes around town.
“Wouldn’t it be neat to see them all over town. I think that’s my big goal. For there to be a Blessing Box movement,” Thompson says.
