Madelyn Fonagy

By ANDY GRAY Staff writer

Madelyn Fonagy saw a need and wanted to take care it.

“When COVID-19 hit, me and my grandma knew things would be tough,” she said. “Not having any food or any (access to) stores would be very hard for people.”

The fact that she was only 13 years old at the time didn’t stop her from working solution.

She created Blessing Boxes, one at her grandfather’s business at 7159 Warren-Sharon Road, Brookfield, and a second at her church, St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Vienna. The boxes were stocked with non-perishable items, and anyone in need can get food from the boxes at any time.

Nearly three years later, Fonagy, now 16, checks the boxes daily and hopes to expand the program. For her devotion to her charitable efforts, Fonagy was selected as a 2023 Tribune Chronicle Community Star. The program, co-sponsored by the Tribune Chronicle and Trumbull 100, recognizes the brightest examples of community service and the people who do those good deeds.

Madelyn gave a simple explanation for why she is driven to projects like the Blessing Boxes.

“I don’t like to see people suffer,” she said.

The use of the Blessing Boxes was slow initially, but she saw an uptick as word spread about the project. Families have thanked her in person when she’s been there restocking the boxes, and she occasionally finds thank you notes inside them. She has been able to collect donations money and gift cards cover the cost of keepboxes stocked, and her commitment to the project only has increased over time.

“I want to start two more boxes, one for clothes and one for school supplies,” she said.

Madelyn is no stranger to honors. She already received a Thoughtful Acts of Kindness Award from the United Way of Trumbull County, a Knights of Columbus Award, Hometown Hero recognition, Hubbard Excellence and Hubbard Pride awards and an orchid from the Tribune Chronicle

In the Community Star nomination letter, her grandmother, Susan Fonagy wrote, “Madelyn goes above and beyond for her community, whether it be home, church or school.”

Madelyn is a sophomore at Hubbard High School, where she is in the marching band and wind ensemble, and plays softball.

She’s combined her musical talents and charitable efforts by playing the piano to entertain the residents at the nursing home where her great-grandmother lived.

“Many of those people are very lonely and have no family,” Madelyn said. “Being able to spread my love of music to other people and have them say, ‘Wow, great job,’ and other things makes me feel really good.”

Madelyn pays just as much attention to those younger than she, teach ing children to be an al tar server at St. Thomas the Apostle like she is and helping teach confirmation classes.

“Seeing the kids grow in the face of God and watching them do acts of service, I hope one day they grow up and do what I do for the community.” agray@tribtoday.com