Here in Montclair, quite a few houses now have those cute little mini-houses on a post in the front lawn, with glass doors opening to small shelves with a handful of books. These are supposed to be “micro-libraries” where anyone can borrow a book (and hopefully return it). Recently I saw something similar in East Orange at a house that I sometimes pass by on the way to my office in Newark. But instead of a book box, this was a “Blessing Box”. Recently I stopped to have a look, and it turned out to be a mini food pantry! This house was in a fairly nice neighborhood, but just a few blocks away are several urban neighborhoods with many people in need. I was quite impressed!

It turns out that this is part of a “Little Free Pantry” movement that has been going on for several years now. In fact, the East Orange Blessing Box has its own web page. Next time I go to the supermarket, I hope to pick up a few items to drop off at the box in East Orange. I can use all of the blessings that I can get!

JANUARY 2022 FOLLOW UP — I haven’t posted anything on this page in 8 months. I’ve lost faith that this blog means anything anymore. Whatever I put on this page doesn’t make any difference whatsoever, so I’ve realized. The web is too big now, and little efforts like this are just a curiosity of the past. BUT . . . I will report that the Blessings Box is still there and still stocked with food for those who might need it. And also, once in a blue moon I do drop off a few things that I hope will help will support this good effort. Maybe at least that means something.