OAK RIDGE, Tenn. — Colton McMahan's Eagle Scout project is a blessing for Oak Ridge.
The Oak Ridge High School student explained how the Blessing Box works. People can drop off non-perishable items like food, clothes, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and feminine hygiene products. Then people in need can take the items from the box.
It opened about a month ago in the parking lot of Robertsville Baptist Church next to Robertsville Middle School.
"The response so far has been really good" he said. "It warms my heart to see what people have brought to the box."
He partnered with the United Way of Anderson County to promote the project.
She said there's a need in the community for items food stamps don't cover.
Families who are struggling may not feel comfortable asking for help. The Blessing Box allows them to get what they need.
"They don't have to go through all the embarrassment of saying I'm kind of struggling. It's the end of the month and I need some of these things that I need and don't necessarily want to ask for," Naomi Asher said.
She hopes the Blessing Box is the first of many.
Take what you need, leave what you can.