x
Breaking News
More () »

'Caldwell never fails': Community fills up police department's blessing box after post on social media

The police department put a call out on Facebook asking people to help those in need by donating to the blessing box.

CALDWELL, Idaho — Caldwell Police Department put a call out to the community. They asked people to help fill up their blessing box.

The blessing box was created in 2017. This is a place where people in need can get food, hygiene items and other essentials.

The original post on Facebook indicated the supplies were nearly out, and that’s why they were asking for some donation.

The community responded within only a few hours.

“We had members of the community showing up, dropping off items,” Lt. Joey Hoadley said. “We had delivery services dropping off items, we even had a few people call and say they have small children, they don’t want to leave the house, so we even had officers swing by and pick some things up."

RELATED: 'This is unprecedented': Treasure Valley food pantry's drive-thru system needs more donations to stay open during coronavirus outbreak

The blessing box sits right inside the police department’s building. It's open 24/7 and it's a 'give what you can, take what you need' system.

“It's super cool because Caldwell never fails,” Hoadley said. “When we put something out there and we ask for this community to step up and do something, they always show up in force.”

The box went from only having a few items inside, to being jam packed with all sorts of items. There were canned goods, pasta, diapers, and even toilet paper.

Credit: Caldwell Police
A before and after picture of the Caldwell blessing box.

“I was actually there when a lady came through, and she dropped off that off and I was like 'wow this is like leaving gold in there man,' I was tempted to grab a roll myself,” Hoadley said with a laugh.

The department took to Facebook again, this time to thank the community for stepping up and helping those in need.

RELATED: Need for donations, volunteers rising at Idaho Foodbank

“Within just a few hours, it was so full we could barely close the door. (Yes…a kind soul even left some toilet paper in there) You are AWESOME Caldwell,” the post read.

Credit: Caldwell Police
A post on Caldwell Police Department's Facebook page thanking the community for the donations.

If someone interested in donating to the blessing box. The department asks them to bring items like canned goods, dry food like pasta, hygiene items like toilet paper or diapers or other items for babies.

The blessing box being filled up will address a need in the community, but Hoadley says that need won’t go away.

“I never realized how much it gets used man, it’s crazy,” Hoadley said. “All day and all night people are coming in and looking for items. It really makes you understand the level of need there is in this community for people.”

RELATED: 'This panic buying needs to stop': Kuna hospice patient calls for end to hoarding

RELATED: Nampa Salvation Army day shelter closes down

RELATED: Nampa and Caldwell Salvation Army food pantries see fewer donations, higher demand

Before You Leave, Check This Out