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.
"We knew there was a huge need in LaVergne and after our first box was installed at Skyline Exhibitor Source the extent of hunger in our city quickly became apparent. Within two days we received a message, 'Because of you I was able to feed my family tonight,'" said Vice President Deborah Balthrop. "It definitely takes a village to help. Our foundation partnered with Garney Construction in Nashville, the Blessing Boxes of Rutherford County, and the Sonic Drive-In to bring the food pantry that addresses hunger in our city."
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.
"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.
