EXETER, LUZERNE CO. (WOLF) — Years ago, the Wyoming Area Catholic School sponsored a public pantry box, providing a space for members of the community to give and take essentials.
Located a mile away at the public library, the box went out of commission during the pandemic.
Now, with the help of the school’s Builders Club and a local woodworking family , a “Blessings Box” has been erected in front of the school’s building.
The box was built and installed by the Klinefelter Family.
The idea for the box was suggested at the beginning of the year, although Tiffany Callaio, teacher and builders club advisor, says the box came at a time of need.
“The community has a need right now, with everything that was going on with the shutdown and SNAP benefits,” she said.
Callaio takes students to the box weekly, to restock toiletry and food items.
“We stock it. The last couple of weeks, I’ve been noticing there’s definitely been a lot of materials and a lot of items gone,” she said.
These acts don’t go unnoticed by the community, explains 6th-grade student Scarlett O’Hop.
“There’s people driving by and they see you and honk their horn and smile, and wave. It’s just good to know that you’re helping people,” said O’Hop.
7th grader Hannah Mohn also aids in stocking the box, even while getting ready to perform in the school’s production of “The Adams Family.”
“It makes me feel great, it makes me feel like I’m really making a difference and helping my community,” said Mohn.
To students in the Builders Club the box is just one way they give back to their community.
“We collect toys for the Santa Squad, we did the honor guard at a veterans’ mass, and do other service projects like that,” said Mohn.
The box can be found at the entrance to the school’s parking lot, and anyone from the community can take what they need or leave what they can.