Submitted by Rev. Kristie Grimaud, Ramona UMC

Ramona, Calif. — Ramona United Methodist Church and Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church joined together to address food insecurity in their community. The Blessing Box is located outdoors and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to receive food donations and to provide food and essential items to anyone in need.

The Blessing Box is rooted in a simple, yet powerful idea: When we have extra, we share—and when we are in need, we are blessed by the sharing of others. This community project was created through the Community Cares Sunday Morning children and youth program, which brings young people together in friendship and service to the community. 

Designed and built by a group of volunteers from both churches, the Blessings Box is a handcrafted replica of the church building and is large enough to hold a variety of donated items, including food, jackets, socks, toiletries, and even pet supplies. Currently, food staples and essentials will fill the box along with healthy options of dry soup jars that are easy to prepare with warm water. Notecards will be inside to communicate to us what items are needed by the community. 

Ramona United Methodist Church and Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church have entered into a shared ministry agreement. Last summer, Spirit of Joy needed to relocate, so Ramona UMC opened their doors. Over the past year, God has brought the two congregations together to share in worship and ministry. Spirit of Joy has also invited Rev. Kristie Grimaud to be their pastor in addition to Ramona UMC’s pastor. 

“God is doing amazing things here,” said Rev. Kristie Grimaud. “The Blessing Box is a tangible symbol of the grace offered when people come together with open hands and open hearts.”

The Blessing Box is located at 3394 Chapel Lane, Ramona, California. For more information or to donate to keep the Blessing Box replenished, go to ramonaumc.org.