MASSENA -- Northside Community Church, 41 North Main St., is now offering what they refer to as a “blessing box” outside of their building.

During Wednesday night prayer meeting with Pastor Bruce Beckstead, parishioners discussed ideas to help the community. Beth Kells thought of the Blessing Box Food Pantry. They took the idea to local craftsman Ron Roy and Uptown glass that turned it into a reality.

Similar to those “Little Free Libraries” that have become popular a few years ago, the Blessing Box Food Pantry is a wooden box 2.5 feet high and 2 feet wide. It sits on a post and is stocked with nonperishable food that is currently collected from our church family.

Items could include pasta, bread, cans of soup, tomato sauce, cereal, canned fruit, vegetables or canned meat.

During the warmer months, fresh fruit and vegetables from gardens could be added to the box.

Blessing Boxes are popping up mostly in front of churches and nonprofit organizations across the country.

On the side of the box hangs a sign that reads “Take what you need. Donate what you can. And God bless you.”

Hunger is a community problem and church officials say they want the community to help.

They say they would like to open food donations to anyone, neighbors, local businesses and other organizations.

Donations can be placed in the box at Northside Community Church 41 North Main St Massena any time, for larger donations please contact the church at 315-769-6697.