Members of the New Street United Methodist Church Fellowship Group stand around the church's new Blessing Box on Tuesday. Pictured from left to right are: James Cain, Becky Lidgerding, Carolyn Kerr, Judy Pitzer, Carol Goldthorpe and Rev. G. Dee-Ann Dixon. Tabitha Johnston

SHEPHERDSTOWN — New Street United Methodist Church unveiled its newest project, a Blessing Box, on Tuesday.

The project was developed by the New Street United Methodist Church Fellowship Group, which is involved in a number of community outreach opportunities, including spaghetti dinners, pancake breakfasts and free, monthly dinners for Shepherd University students. Installing a Blessing Box in front of the church seemed to be an appropriate addition to the projects the group manages, according to Judy Pitzer, who suggested the new project idea to the group.

“A Blessing Box is a place for folks, who are able to give, to put items of necessity, for those who need these items,” Pitzer said. “There are other Shepherdstown organizations who are a wonderful help to folks on a greater scale, but this is an ‘I need it now’ kind of place. No forms are required to be completed and no questions will be asked, of those who avail themselves of the items in this box. We are always open to those in need.”

Pitzer noted that the location of the Blessing Box, at the corner of New Street and Church Street, was selected by group member Becky Lidgerding, who oversees the church property’s landscaping and determined this was the best location for community access.

“It’s at the most visible spot of the church,” Lidgerding said, noting that it will be the first box of its kind in Shepherdstown. “Different churches have different strengths. They don’t all have to be the same. The United Methodists have a great interest in social justice and human rights, so serving this kind of need in our community fits with our strengths.”

Rev. G. Dee-Ann Dixon, second to right, prays during the dedication of the Blessing Box at New Street United Methodist Church on Tuesday. Tabitha Johnston

According to Rev. G. Dee-Ann Dixon, who has pastored the church since 2000, the Blessing Box concept is a grassroots movement founded by the United Methodist Church, to address food insecurity. In addition to addressing emergency food insecurity needs, the New Street United Methodist Church Blessing Box will also provide items to help with other kinds of emergency situations, including new socks, gloves, knit hats and mittens in children’s and adult sizes; hygiene products; small bags of laundry detergent; and first aid items.

“This fits the Methodist mission,” Dixon said. “Our founder, John Wesley, didn’t leave the Anglican church, but he started a movement, because he felt that the church wasn’t meeting people’s needs. The church was becoming too insular and just serving the people who came to it, but not serving the poor and folks in the community who needed help. That is part of our history and mission, to serve those with needs that we can serve. We want to be a blessing to our community!”

Pitzer noted that donations to the Blessing Box are appreciated, as long as the items are new, do not contain glass and, in the case of food, are nonperishable and thoroughly sealed from bugs. She also asked that cash not be left in the box.

“For those who want to contribute, but aren’t able to come to the box or shop for items, please see a member of our congregation and they will see that the money gets to the committee for purchasing items to keep the box filled in all seasons,” Pitzer said. “All members of the community are invited to give and to get as needed.”

The Blessing Box itself was donated by Carol and David Goldthorpe, who are active members in the New Street United Methodist Church Fellowship Group.

“It should last a long time, because of how well it’s made!” Carol said of the box, which was selected due to its solid metal structure and double storage. “I hope it’s going to bless many people.”