Chapelwood Elementary and Community Partners Create “Blessing Box” to Address Hunger

Thanks to a partnership between Chapelwood Elementary and the Wayne Township community, a “blessing box” stocked with food now sits near the school’s entrance. Pictured above is Chapelwood Elementary Parent Liaison Michelle Stohler and Principal Terri Mathews.

The box was built in a coordinated effort between Chapelwood, Chapel Rock Christian Church, the MSD of Wayne Township, and Wood-Mizer. It was put into place in late October.

“We initially requested the build during the pandemic and all parties felt like it would be an uplifting project during a rough time period,” said Chapelwood Parent Liaison Michelle Stohler. “The food comes from staff, Gleaners Food Bank, the Chapel Hill Lions Club, and other community partners. It has been used consistently as I fill and fix it up several times a week.”

Mrs. Stohler manages the blessing box, stocking it and keeping it clean and neat for guests.

“What prompted Chapelwood to create the box is an ongoing need of families to be able to access food close by in a crisis,” she said. “While we continue to operate our drive-through pantry monthly and promote Community Compass (an app created by the Indy Hunger Network), there are still intermittent needs. The blessing box reflects the meaningful relationship between Chapelwood and community partners to fulfill needs that eventually become barriers to good health, attendance, and learning.”

ABOUT THE MSD OF WAYNE TOWNSHIP
The Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township provides multiple pathways to success for more than 16,000 students, preschool through high school. Located on the west side of Indianapolis, MSD Wayne works in partnership with the Wayne Township community to help every learner achieve excellence.  To learn more about MSD Wayne, visit www.wayne.k12.in.us, or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/msdwaynetownship/ and Twitter @WayneTwpSchools and @WayneTwpSuper.