From Boxes to BAGS

A few years ago I starting putting together what I called "Blessing Boxes" which were simply shoe boxes filled with items that I would hand out to folks in need. The majority of the boxes were handed out at freeway off-ramps. 

If you live in Southern California then I'm sure you've seen your share of folks in need as you've exited the freeway. 

Before the boxes, I would just give whatever loose change I had in my ashtray. Then I realized that loose change only went so far, and these folks needed more. 

As a result, the "Blessing Boxes" were birthed.

A typical box would include any of the following (all new and unused of course):

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Soap
• Something edible (like a breakfast bar, or granola bar)
• Bottled water
• Socks
• and a 211 card (my hope is that they will call and actually get access to resources that can help).

Although I still give out the boxes, I've stopped "announcing" it. I never thought anything was wrong with me letting folks know how much of a blessing it was for ME to be able to bless someone else. That was until a former acquaintance called me on my actions and accused me of being "showy" and only doing what I was doing in an effort to get praise and attention. 

NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH!!!

Anyone who knows me...and I mean TRULY knows me...knows that my heart simply does not operate that way. When it comes to "ministry," the "showy gifts" have NEVER been mine. I have always preferred to operate in my gifts (BEHIND THE SCENES.)

Since then, I have given away many more boxes, and will continue to do so...I just haven't said anything about them. 

I have made two small changes though. 

Number 1: I have switched from BOXES to GALLON SIZED BAGS. I dunno...the bags just seem easier for folks to manage and they're easier to re-use. 

Number 2: I now include a DOLLAR BILL in each bag. I realized that the majority of folks at the off-ramps aren't there for "stuff"...even though the "stuff" I hand out is "stuff" they can use. ALL of them are there for MONEY. I get that, totally, fully, COMPLETELY. So...I decided to include what they WANT with the things I think they NEED. 

I hope that by sharing this, I don't come off as being "showy." I simply love serving and helping others in any way that I can, even if that way is small in the grand scheme of things. 

Now...Let the DIALOGUE begin: Before today, were you aware of the services provided by calling 211? If referred a few folks who were able to be helped. If you know of any other resources, please let me know. 

Talk to me!

Til next time...