A second Blessing Box was installed in LaVergne on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at the Sonic Drive-In, located at 5210 Murfreesboro Rd. The box currently contains non-perishable food items such as pasta, canned goods, fruit cups, and water, along with hand sanitizer. These items are free to the public and intended to help those who are otherwise unable to afford food for themselves and their families.
The formal ribbon cutting for the second Blessing Box is being held on Saturday, March 26 at 9:30 a.m. at the Sonic Drive-In. "We have been very fortunate that our community supports our restaurant, so it's a blessing for the Sonic to give back. I am honored to be a part of this amazing effort, lending a helping hand to aid in hunger relief," said Somer Martin, owner of the Sonic. During the ribbon cutting, all large drinks will be on sale for $.99 and specialty drinks are $1.49.
"We are happy that we could put the skills of our employee-owners to use in support of those in need in Middle Tennessee," said Project Manager Jeff Gorman of Garney Construction Company. The company donated a total of three blessing boxes throughout middle Tennessee, built by their crew members on rainy days.
In LaVergne, a third Blessing Box will be located at the LaVergne Rescue Squad, 141 Gambill Lane. That ribbon cutting is planned immediately after the monthly country ham breakfast on April 9 at 10:00 a.m. The blessing box will be named "Kayleigh's Blessing Box" after 10-year old Kayleigh Balthrop. She picked food insecurity as a pageant platform and for several years has helped with projects such as tornado relief, food distribution events, and (now) inspiring miniature food pantries.
"We invite our compassionate residents to come to all of these ribbon cuttings and bring non-perishable items to donate," said Foundation President Kathy Tyson. Accepted items include pop top canned goods such as vegetables and canned meats, fruit cups, ramen noodles, juice pouches, sauces, and boxed noodles. Non-traditional items like feminine hygiene products, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hotel size bathroom items, plastic utensils are also welcome, gloves, and socks. The Blessing Boxes do not accept clothing, shoes, or regular household items.
"We invite our compassionate residents to come to all of these ribbon cuttings and bring non-perishable items to donate," said Foundation President Kathy Tyson. Accepted items include pop top canned goods such as vegetables and canned meats, fruit cups, ramen noodles, juice pouches, sauces, and boxed noodles. Non-traditional items like feminine hygiene products, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hotel size bathroom items, plastic utensils are also welcome, gloves, and socks. The Blessing Boxes do not accept clothing, shoes, or regular household items.
