Clendenin’s Blessings Box

Alexa Allen, Miss Infinity 2021. Photo by Joe Hoover.

Take what you need. Leave what you can.

When Alexa Allen decided to have a Blessings Box in the Town of Clendenin, she wanted to raise awareness plus provide a source for much needed items, including free food and toiletries. She is indeed a blessing to the Town and those who need a little extra help.

Working with the Clendenin Town Council and Mayor Kay Summers, Alexa put up the first Blessings Box at the Town Hall in Clendenin on November 29, 2020. She explained, “A Blessings Box is a small, often homemade structure where people leave donated goods for others to pick up anonymously. Located in a common area, people fill them with items that will help those in need--everything from non-perishable food to toiletries.” Alexa hopes the box will serve a purpose for those who are hungry when the food pantry is closed, for families who are on a low income, and for travelers who forgot their wallet or are a little short on funds.

“Take what you need. Leave what you can” is posted on The Blessings Box. Alexa said, “Anyone can donate at any point in time. Additionally, volunteers and community organizations can hold fundraisers to replenish items in the box.” Items most frequently donated and used to stock The Blessings Box include: canned goods with ring pulls, socks, mittens, hand warmers, crackers, toilet paper, non-perishable foods, bottled water, small snacks, and toiletries including hand soap, tooth brushes, toothpaste and baby wipes.

Alexa Allen with her community-focused initiative, The Blessings Box

Janet Rollyson and Crystal Hawkins work at The Clendenin Health Center and they help stock The Blessings Box. Janet said, “ I feel like if you have it to give, it's a good thing. I know everyone has someone in their lives that needs a little help at some point. Everyone has a story and this is a chance to spread a little kindness.” The Clendenin Health Clinic also hung up a sign that said FREE to help it be more visible after Clendenin Town Councilman Tim Huffman told them about The Blessings Box.

Alexa was Ms. Metro Valley, West Virginia United States (WVUS) 2020 and she is the reigning Miss Infinity 2021. She said, “I am so pleased to have the support to help bring The Blessings Box to our Town. I have lived in this great town most of my life and I am eager and ready to start building these beautiful boxes with the help of our community.”

Dave Godbey of Dave’s Garage on Thorofare Road has volunteered to help Alexa build a second Blessings Box for the Town. Alexa said, “If we can have Blessings Boxes at several locations, I believe this would be a great contribution to our community.”

Alexa Allen

Photo by Mallory Kay Photography with permission.

If you are interested in donating items or helping with additional Blessings Boxes, please contact Alexa at ms.metrovalley2020@gmail.com or stop by Liberty Tax Service on Main Street in Clendenin to talk with her. The more blessings, the better!