SMITHFIELD – Less than a year after installing its first four blessing boxes around Johnston County, the Junior Women’s League of Smithfield (JWL)’s newest members have installed two more, with plans to add another two.
“When our provisional members began discussing potential projects in August 2019, we quickly decided to create additional Blessing Boxes based on the success of the boxes created by last year’s provisional members, the usage of those boxes, and the support of the community in making contributions,” according to Amy Gibson, Blessing Box committee chair.
Blessing Boxes are small pantries stocked with free food and personal care items for people in need that are able to be accessed at any time. The provisional members coordinated a drive among JWL members to donate supplies to stock and replenish the boxes, and members of the general public are also encouraged to contribute items. “As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, our Blessing Boxes are currently being used more than ever. Members of the public are invited to add things to the boxes themselves, but if they would prefer to support our efforts while quarantined, monetary donations to help stock the boxes are being accepted on our website, www.jwlsmithfield.com,” said Erin Smith, 2019-2020 VP of Community Outreach & Engagement.
Archer Lodge Fire Department, located at 6483 Covered Bridge Road (Clayton)
Benson Fire Department, located at 313 S. Elm Street
Meadow Fire Department, located at 7409 NC-50 South (Benson)
Selma Fire Department, located at 201 N. Webb Street
Smithfield Fire Department, located at 111 S. Fourth Street
Thanksgiving Fire Department, at 2375 Thanksgiving Fire Department Rd. (Selma)
About The Junior Women’s League of Smithfield
The Junior Women’s League of Smithfield (JWL) is a non-profit organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action of trained volunteers. Our organization was founded in Smithfield, but is dedicated to the betterment of all communities within Johnston County. Since the League’s establishment in February 2016, JWL has made $81,000 in donations to Johnston County nonprofit organizations and completed more than 7,600 hours of community service. For more information about the Junior Women’s League of Smithfield, please visit www.jwlsmithfield.com.
