North Dakota volunteers deliver ‘Blessings in a Box’
Salvation Army volunteers are gearing up for another summer of food distribution to low-income children in the Devils Lake, North Dakota area through a program called “Blessings in a Box.”
“The volunteers are the real blessings,” said Lisa Rippliner, a Salvation Army Service Extension Representative. “They spend eight hours a week preparing and delivering every box, and sometimes they even spend their own money to purchase treats for the kids.”
Faculty and staff from four local schools identify families most in need of the help offered through Blessings in a Box. Volunteers fill the packages with nutritious foods that appeal to kids. Volunteers make deliveries June 24 through late August and often stay to visit with the families.
“We have heard only positive comments from the families receiving Blessings in a Box. They like the focus on kid-friendly food and enjoy the kind hearts of our volunteers,” said Rippliner.
In 2012, this privately-funded program supplied 98 food boxes, 327 meals and 1,975 pounds of food to families in need, for a modest cost of $1,385. Requests for the 2013 program are expected to increase, but the number of families served will depend on funding and donations.
You can help grow the Blessings in a Box program with an online donation. Be sure to designate “Blessings in a Box” in the specific use field.
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