You Might Think You’re Helping, But You’re Probably Hurting Oklahomans In Need

One of the most charitable opportunities you can find in nearly every town in Oklahoma are blessing boxes. As much goodness as folks are wanting to spread with them, there's a few bad habits that may actually be working against the notion.

What Is A Blessing Box?

Blessing boxes are pretty close to what they sound like. Community members can put food, drinks and important items that some families do without in these boxes in town. Most blessing boxes are usually found near any city hall in town, or in some cases, near the Police Department.

Usually, blessing boxes are free and open to anyone, even if they aren't from the town that the box is in. Those in need can help themselves to the items discreetly and without any judgement.

Winter Time Is The Hardest Time

Community members routinely put items in the blessing boxes during the coldest months of the year for those who need it most. Typically, if someone has stocked the box with something that may need to be used quickly, they may post on social media to tell folks in need to come and get the item while it's good.

But this one step has actually helped work against the goodness intended for Oklahoma's blessing boxes.

Thieves...?

There have been incidents of folks taking advantage of the good faith that comes with the blessing box. Unfortunately, some people purposely wait until the blessing boxes have been freshly stocked with all sorts of goods, wait for everyone tp leave, and then take everything for themselves.

But that's what the boxes are for, right? Absolutely!

Except for the fact that last year, there were occasions of people traveling to different towns within close time frames and cleaning out multiple blessing boxes.

And other instances of folks mentioning that they had completely restocked the box only to find it completely empty again within hours.

To Post or Not To Post? That Is The Question.

One of the most effective ways for "thieves" to get to goods before anyone else can is by watching updates from folks who've stocked the box. Some groups across the country have suggested to stop posting when it's stocked entirely. Although it doesn't stop people from hanging around the boxes and stalking them, it does reduce the likelihood of folks being there when it's completely stocked.

What else do you think would help solve this issue with the blessing boxes? Tell us your suggestions through the app.

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