Pataskala Blessing Boxes
My Name is Jasmine Stroh, I am 11 years old. I am fundraising to build 3 Blessing boxes (food pantry boxes) in our town. You may or may not have seen the videos on facebook- I am sharing the link below. Please take a moment to read the speech given to city council, the vote was passed UNANIMOUSLY!
I need to fundraise to build the 3 boxes in such a way that they will not easily break down with the weather, vandals or other unfortunate circumstances. We estimate $300-$350 per box. ANY leftover funds will be used to stock the shelves! We are working with the city administrator BJ King to find high surveillance (aka safe) areas - spread out throughout the city to serve as MANY people as we can! ANY amount will help!
https://www.facebook.com/JerikaStroh/posts/10156492553378200
Building & Grounds Meeting
Hello! My name is Jasmine Stroh, and I am a resident of Pataskala. I am a Jewish 11 year old girl, turning 12 this August. What am I here for? I am here to talk to all of you about a project I would like to do for my Bat Mitzvah. A Bar or Bat Mitzvah is a time in which Jewish boys and girls take on the responsibility of becoming a young adult. This is the point in life where they must decide what paths to take. My path leads me here tonight.
A “mitzvah” is the Hebrew word for “good deed”. But… A mitzvah is defined as a good deed in which you yourself reap no benefit. Meaning, a selfless act of kindness. This community is so full of people with gold hearts wanting to help & give, the response to my project has been amazing!
My Bat Mitzvah project comes directly from the bible section I will be reading on my special day.
“When you reap your harvest in your field and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to take it; it shall be [left] for the stranger, the orphan, and the widow, so that the Lord, your God, will bless you in all that you do.”
When you beat your olive tree, you shall not deglorify it, by picking all its fruit, after you; it shall be [left] for the stranger, the orphan and the widow.
When you pick the grapes of your vineyard, you shall not glean after you: it shall be [left] for the stranger, the orphan and the widow.
You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt: therefore, I command you to do this thing.
My project idea is to build some blessing boxes around the town. In case you are not familiar with the concept of a blessing box, let me elaborate. It is a hand crafted large pantry box, built to last, withstand weather, and feed our less fortunate. Once built, residents are encouraged to stock the shelves as they can. Churches, groups, residents and even the less fortunate who visit the food pantry and are given items they may not use.
We need places to put these boxes. This is why I am here tonight. Together, strategically finding homes for these boxes. With the help of the Buildings and Grounds committee, I would like to be granted permission to place the boxes on city property- so they are central and easily accessible to ALL who many need.
I will hold a fundraiser to raise the money for the supplies to be able to build 3 or more blessing boxes around town. I will also be asking local businesses for donations, supplies or even to sponsor an entire box. I would like to have anyone who wishes, help in any way possible.
I appreciate the time you have taken to listen & consider my request. In case there is anything I did not cover, I’m am happy to answer any questions you might have!
