Blessing Boxes | Cibus Mission

Cibus Mission in Action

We're making a difference in the lives of families, veterans, and youth across our community.

What We Do

What Is a Blessing Box?

Emergency food boxes that provide care & support. For struggling families, an empty plate isn't just dishware — it's a knot of worry in a parent's stomach, the silence that falls when a child asks "What's for dinner?" and the only honest answer is "I don't know."

With a single food box from Cibus Mission, you are not just delivering groceries. You are delivering a powerful message: "You are not alone." You are filling a child's bowl with nutritious food and their heart with the certainty that someone cares.

Blessing boxes are small outdoor cabinets stocked with non-perishable food, personal care items, and other essentials — freely available to anyone in need. They operate on a simple, meaningful principle: "Take what you need, leave what you can."

🥫 Non-Perishables 🧴 Hygiene Items 🏘️ Community Access 💚 No Paperwork

How It Works

Simple, Dignified, Powerful

No ID. No photo op. No appointments. Just grab what you need, when you need it most.

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We Fill the Boxes

Cibus Mission volunteers travel throughout the tri-state area weekly to restock blessing boxes with food, toiletries, and comfort items donated by our generous supporters.

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Anyone Can Take

These weatherproof boxes are placed in public areas so that anyone can discreetly take food or hygiene items. No paperwork, no appointments — just grab and go! Dignity matters.

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Anyone Can Give

Leave what you can. Whether it's a can of soup, a bar of soap, or a financial donation — every contribution helps a neighbor in need. Within 24 hours, boxes are typically empty!

DIY Guide

Why Consider Building a Blessing Box?

It's more than just a DIY project — it's a way to make a direct impact in your community. When you place one in a high-need area, you create an accessible, 24/7 resource that provides both physical sustenance and emotional encouragement.

Choosing a Location

Visibility — Near high foot traffic areas like parks, churches, or community centers
Accessibility — Open 24/7 and easy to reach, including for those with mobility issues
Safety — Well-lit and secure areas help protect both the box and its users
Community Need — Areas with higher food insecurity or fewer social services are ideal
Permission — Always ask property owners or local officials before installing

Materials You'll Need

Treated lumber or cedar (for weather resistance)
Plexiglass or durable plastic for the door
Hinges, latch, and rust-resistant screws
Paint or sealant to protect from moisture
Roofing material (metal or shingles)

Helpful Tools

Saw (circular or hand saw)
Power drill and measuring tape
Level, paintbrushes, safety gear

Can't build one? Even if you can't build a box yourself, you can still make a meaningful contribution. Donate goods or funds to help Cibus Mission keep filling existing ones!

Other Names for a Blessing Box

Little Free Pantry · Giving Box · Love Box · Share Shelf · Hope Box · Neighbor's Cupboard · Kindness Cabinet · Charity Box · Care Crate · Sharing Box

2024 Locations

Blessing Boxes We Serve

In 2024, we visited these boxes and gave away over 18,000 food items and 4,000+ hygiene items!

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Maryland

📍 Snyder Ave Blessing Box – 15 Snyder Ave, Hagerstown
📍 St. John's Blessings Box – 101 S Prospect St, Hagerstown
📍 Girl Scouts / Emmanuel UMC – 802 Summit Ave, Hagerstown
📍 Blessing Box Main Street Sharpsburg – 117 W Main St
📍 Trinity Lutheran Church – 64 S. Main St, Boonsboro
📍 St. Mark's Episcopal Church – 18313 Lappans Rd, Boonsboro
📍 First Christian Church of Boonsboro – 12 A St. Paul St
📍 Brownsville Church of the Brethren – 1915 Rohrersville Rd
📍 Pleasant Valley Baptist Church – 3346 Gapland Rd
📍 St. Peter's Lutheran Church – 30 S Main St, Clear Spring
📍 Interfaith Service Coalition – 116 W. High St, Hancock

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Pennsylvania

📍 Park Ave United Methodist – 125 Park Ave, Chambersburg
📍 Edenville United Methodist – 2504 Apple Way, Chambersburg
📍 Dr. Orange Office – 4225 Lincoln Way E, Fayetteville
📍 Mercersburg Blessing Box – 111 N Main St, Mercersburg
📍 Bethel AME Church – 235 S Carlisle St, Greencastle
📍 Bethel Assembly of God – 400 Miller St, Chambersburg
📍 Blessing Box – 119 North 8th St, Lebanon
📍 Gabi's Box at American Legion Post 272 – Linglestown
📍 Water Street Park – 90 W Water St, Hellertown
📍 Christ Lutheran Church – 69 Main St, Hellertown
📍 Dewey Fire Company – 502 Durham St., Hellertown

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West Virginia

📍 Berkeley Springs – 70 N Washington St
📍 Hedgesville – 310 East Main St
📍 Bunker Hill – 82 St. John's Church Rd
📍 Martinsburg – 325 S. Queen St
📍 First Baptist Church – 221 S. Queen St, Martinsburg
📍 North Berkeley – 890 S. Raleigh St, Martinsburg
📍 Inwood – 222 S. Cumberland St
📍 Shenandoah Community – 121 W Main St, Shenandoah Junction
📍 Ranson – 25 East 2nd Ave
📍 Charles Town – 300 E. Washington St

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Virginia

📍 Suffolk – 314 N. Main St
📍 Norfolk – 4900 W. Princess Anne Rd
📍 Virginia Beach – 3270 S. Lynnhaven Rd
📍 Newport News – 11846 Jefferson Ave
📍 Portsmouth – 1008 Deep Creek Blvd
📍 Fairfax – 3915 Old Lee Hwy
📍 Falls Church – 527 Maple Ave East
📍 Herndon – 4500 Wedgewood Blvd
📍 Manassas – 10356 Balls Ford Rd
📍 Arlington – 2660 N. Harrison St

Get Involved

Help Us Keep the Boxes Full

Cibus Mission uses 100% of direct donations for our programs — every penny goes toward filling boxes and serving our community. This year alone we've donated over 16,000 food items and 1,000 hygiene items. Within 24 hours, these boxes are empty. Please support our efforts!

We also provide meals to the homeless when traveling to the blessing boxes, and we strive to serve communities in Maryland, DC, West Virginia, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

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