St. Ann’s Episcopal Church in Bridgehampton has installed a “blessing box” as a way of helping those in need of food. The Rev. Jim Erwin said parishioners or any member of the public can donate canned goods, dried goods such as cereal and snacks, and toiletries in the outdoor box, and then those in need can stop by any time of day or night.
The church’s outreach committee built the raised wooden box, which has three shelves and a door to keep the items out of the elements. Through its weekly newsletter, the church has asked parishioners to pick up a few extra items when they are shopping and donate them.
Just days after the box was built it was already filling up fast with items like grape juice, canned beans and soups, and toothpaste. The box is on the Hull Lane side of the church.