Unfortunately, there is often a stigma that comes with individuals who need help. Often, they will not ask for help. Many times, they are embarrassed to seek it.

 

For those that fall into those above scenarios during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, or if you just happen to need help during the pandemic, the Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Union can help. All you have to do is go to their building located at 609 Broadway Avenue in Bridgeport – located directly across from the former Skateworld Skating Rink.

 

“We have put in what is called a Blessing Box and it’s open 24 hours,” said Michael Jenkins with the Union. “We hope to be able to help those in need.”

 

The box is simply that – a box. However, it is a wooden hand made box with glass doors that close and is lit up on the inside. Inside the box are plenty of non-perishable items anyone in the community is welcome to take.

 

“It’s on the building’s front porch and it’s lit up and there is also a porch light that is lit up at night for anyone that is in need of food,” said Jenkins. “It’s not very big, but there are 40 or 50 items in there that range from beans and ravioli to vegetables of various kinds. Whatever someone may need who is hungry, this can help.”

 

The thing is with this collection box is you do not have to check in with anyone. You do not need permission. There are no set hours. And there is no limit on what to take.

 

“If you need it, take it. If you need it all, take it all. You can pick it up in the middle of the night or the middle of the day and no one is going to ask you a question,” said Jenkins.

 

The concept is the idea of Beth Vandevender who is the office manager. It is an offspring of a food drive they have been doing for the past few years.

 

“The local has been sponsoring a food drive for the last couple years and we collect donations and take them to the local food banks.  With the pandemic, and everything completely out of the ordinary routine, this is a small way to make a big impact on hunger for both our membership and the neighborhood that houses our Council office,” said Vandevender. “It’s basically members helping members; the food that has been generously donated by our brothers and sisters can be made available to other brothers and sisters in need.”

 

From there it expanded to where the local group wants to help the local community and even beyond. He said it is an offshoot of the group wanting to be actively involved in bettering the community, which included the food drive that sent food not just to the Clarksburg Mission, but to mission groups across northern areas of West Virginia the local represents.

 

For those worrying about taking too many items, Jenkins said that should not be a worry. He said members fill the box as needed. The staff puts in items daily as they have food inside where it is checked to make sure the expiration dates are good. Jenkins also said the group would have no problem accepting items from the community.

 

“It just needs to be a non-perishable food item that is not out of date. If we would be in a position where too much would come in for us locally, we’ll see to it that it makes it to the Clarksburg Mission or another group in need of food items,” said Jenkins.

 

Jenkins only request was that any donations be brought by during daytime hours so that dates can be checked before putting them in the box. He also asked that no clothing be brought by, but personal hygiene items can also be included.

 

“With this pandemic, people in certain businesses, like restaurants, need help,” said Jenkins. “We’ve been fortunate with a lot of our members having work, so we want to help.”

 

Vandevender echoed those comments.

 

“Hunger knows no season, nor does it discriminate,” she said. “If our membership is in need or they have family in need, they are welcome to stop by at any time and take whatever they may need from the Blessing Box and I will be sure to refill it the next day. The same goes for our little neighborhood or anyone around who is in need. We don’t care where you are from, if you need it, take it.”