FOUNTAIN LAKE -- Fountain Lake Elementary School recently added a community blessing box on campus to stock with various items to support local families in need.
Elementary counselor LeAnn Robertson said Wendy Burfeind, the school's librarian, first approached her with the idea for the blessing box in the spring. Burfeind saw a community install a blessing box, including a book exchange, and felt the concept could easily translate for the school.
"I thought if we create this blessing box and put it in a location where they will all know about it, but keep it covered, that maybe it will help assist them during those times they might need it," Robertson said.
The box is located on the elementary school campus and is planned to be filled with popular hygiene items, food products and canned goods. Included are toiletries such as soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, toilet paper, Band-Aids, Neosporin, deodorant, brushes and combs.
Robertson said the box can help supply families with less commonly requested items. She said families can use the box for items such as feminine products and lice shampoo.
"That is something I put on the list because I know that is needed, the kits and the actual shampoo" Robertson said.
Available food items include breakfast bars, Pop-Tarts, peanut butter and jelly, rice, cereal, beans, pudding, crackers, pasta and all types of canned goods. Robertson said the project aligned with the school's prior commitment to supply food for families in need on weekends and for holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Robertson purchased a cabinet from Lowe's to place at the elementary school. Students with agricultural sciences teacher Carroll Mercer painted the cabinet purple, installed handles and built legs.
Funds were used from the annual donation presented to the school by the United Way of the Ouachitas. A plaque on the front of the cabinet was made by All American Awards Engraving Company.
Letters were mailed out to parents and churches around Fountain Lake and Hot Springs Village to inform the community the box was available to everyone, not just families of elementary school students. Counselors of the middle school and high school were also informed to help notify any families of need in the district.
Allyson Petty, principal of the elementary school, supported the idea from the start. Robertson said she received positive feedback from teachers and from other members of the community on Facebook.
"My goal is for other school districts to see this idea and create ones for their schools on their campuses," Robertson said. "I know we are not the only ones who have families who need items like this."
Many of the items were purchased or received through donations early in the school year. Donations can be submitted to Robertson in the office of the elementary school building for grades 2-4.
"This way, I am able to take all of that stock I have had all year and put it out there," Robertson said. "Then, parents can get it at their own discretion."
Robertson said she checks the blessing box each morning and restocks it as necessary.
Local on 12/01/2017