Lending a helping hand
The community of Dunnavant Valley has been working hard to take care of its citizens.
Exactly one year ago, the Dunnavant Volunteer Fire Department opened its community Blessing Box, where anyone can donate items or take what they need.
The idea was sparked when Tammy Harris, president of the Dunnavant Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, saw a post for the Pell City Blessing Box, which had been positively influencing its community.
Seeing that post, combined with overhearing a few local families who were struggling to find food, prompted Harris to make that happen for her community and take matters into her own hands.
“We’re a very tight knit community,” Harris said. “Everyone knows everyone, so we know when someone is going through hardships or sickness.”
The ladies auxiliary started by taking meals to families in need, but once it grew to be too much work for just one or two people, Harris realized it was time to do even more.
Harris approached the board members of the fire department about providing something similar to Pell City’s Blessing Box. Once the idea was given the board’s stamp of approval, firefighter Josh McDonald donated his time and money to build the box, while Harris’ husband, Jr Harris, set it up for use.
One year later, the box has become a hit in the area. Though Harris said it was a slow start at first, the word got out and locals have begun to utilize it in recent months.
“We find the need to restock our box several times per week,” Harris said. “So, I would say it has been a success.”
Area residents who want to help other families can donate items such as non-perishable foods, hygiene products, dish soap, laundry detergent and toiletries. Harris said anyone can give and anyone can take. This summer, local farmers even placed fresh produce such as cucumbers and tomatoes in the box.
Along with the blessing box, the fire department has a food pantry located inside the station to help those who need a little extra for their families. The food pantry is more private, allowing families to take anonymously.
“We just want to make sure that no one in our community goes hungry,” Harris said. “We've been there, everyone's been there at some point. We have so many resources that no one should go hungry, especially the kids.”
Harris has faith that the box will continue to help for years to come, the same way it has for the past few months. She said she truly believes there will always be a need in the community to help out, even just a little bit.
The Dunnavant Fire Department station and Blessing Box are located at 57095 Alabama 25.