FREMONT, Ohio — It's the season for giving and an initiative to help those in need in Fremont could use your help.
Near the parking lot of a United Steelworkers union hall is an unassuming house-shaped wooden box. While it may not look like much from the outside, the items inside make it truly a blessing.
United Steel Workers Women of Steel Local 1915 led the effort to create the "blessing box" to support the community.
A blessing box is a miniature pantry where people can leave whatever they can and take whatever they need. USW Local 1915's blessing box offers food and a variety of essentials, ranging from pantry staples to winter clothing items.
Since putting it up, organizers said they are finding it hard to keep up with demand.
USW member Samantha Zerman said the blessing box empties quickly and the union has to restock several times a week.
Although it's a lot of work, Zerman said it's worth it.
"I think it's called a blessing box for a reason. Those who give, get a blessing and those who get, get a blessing as well," Zerman said. "I think it just, it's a heartwarming feeling knowing that you're helping somebody."
The blessing box is located outside of the Local 1915 Union Hall at 708 Tiffin St. in Fremont.
Anyone is welcome to use the blessing box in whatever way they need, whether it's to give or to get.
If you would like to help stock the blessing box, Women of Steel Local 1915 requests the following items and anything that will not freeze in the winter:
Food
- Peanut butter, nuts and alternatives (almond butter, sunflower seed butter, coconut butter)
- White or brown rice
- Pasta (preferably boxed)
- Cereals and instant oatmeal packets
- Crackers and granola bars
- Condiments (ketchup, mustard, salad dressing and mayonnaise)
- Jelly, pancake syrup
- Baking and pancake mixes
- Microwavable meals, to-go meals and shelf-stable meal kits
- Individual serving size items
- Formula and dry cereal for infants
- Packaged protein drinks
- Dried fruit
Other items needed
- Hand can openers
- Shampoo, conditioner, combs and brushes
- Toilet paper
- Menstrual hygiene products (pads and regular tampons)
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Hand soap, dish soap, bath soap and hand sanitizer
- Gloves, hats and scarves
- Baby supplies (wipes, diapers, etc.)
USW Local 1915 is unable to stock the following items throughout the year, so they should not be donated:
- Open or partially used items
- Homemade or home-canned foods
- Glass items (due to potential for breakage)
- Food in torn cardboard boxes
- Food in torn plastic packaging
- Perishable items (no raw meats, eggs, dairy or fresh breads)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Dented, bent, leaking or bulging cans
- Any packaged food past its "best by," "used by" or "sell by" date
- Any packaged food with damaged tamper-resistant seals
- Re-packaged food
- Razors or blades
- No fresh fruits or vegetables as they spoil during temperature changes, get easily damaged or can be contaminated by animals or insects
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