I was at one of our community Blessing Boxes last month. After restocking the shelves and getting back into my car, I saw a mother and her young daughter approach. Her daughter's hair was neatly done, but she wore a bonnet and they both looked tired. The mother glanced up and down the street before carefully placing a few items into one of those tote bags you get from a health fair: a jar of peanut butter, a loaf of bread, some pasta, a can of tomato sauce, a bag of chips, a package of cookies, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a bar of soap.

She wasn't being sneaky. She was preserving her dignity.

In that moment, I understood the true value of these boxes. It is not just about the food. It is about providing help with privacy, respect, and immediate access for anyone who needs it.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zXB_g0BWXHY

That encounter cemented my resolve, especially at a time when so many are struggling. No family should have to choose between paying a bill and putting food on the table. No parent should feel shame in getting a little help from their neighbors. This cause is important to Cibus Mission because we believe a community's strength is measured by how it cares for its most vulnerable members. These Blessing Boxes are a quiet, powerful testament to our shared humanity.

Food banks are the backbone of hunger relief, and they need our support. Blessing Boxes act as a critical supplement. They are there after hours, during sudden crises, or for anyone who needs complete anonymity. They are a hand up, not a handout, run on the simple principle of "Take What You Need, Leave What You Can."

By supporting this campaign, you are doing more than donating food. You are:

Providing Immediate Relief: Your support puts food and hygiene items directly into the hands of those who need them, at any time of day.

Upholding Dignity: You are allowing people to get help without bureaucracy or judgment.

Strengthening Our Community: You are ensuring that the family next door, the senior down the street, or the student at the local college knows they are not forgotten.

Every single dollar you give is stretched for maximum impact. Because we can purchase supplies in bulk at discounted rates, your donation goes much further than an individual trip to the grocery store.

Just $25 can provide a family with nutritious, shelf-stable meals for a week.

$50 can completely stock three Blessing Boxes with a variety of food and essential hygiene products.

$100 can help fill ten boxes, ensuring our network can meet the need.

When we give, we are not just offering food. We are offering comfort, care, and the hope that tomorrow will be a little better.