LUSBY, Md. — Southern Calvert Baptist Church has introduced a new way to support neighbors in need through its recently launched “Blessing Box,” a 24-hour community pantry stocked with food, toiletries, and Bibles.
The church, located at 12140 H.G. Trueman Road in Lusby, announced the initiative on Sept. 24, 2025, describing it as a “quiet way of sharing God’s love” with anyone who might need a helping hand. The wooden cabinet—set up just outside the church building—offers an easy, judgment-free way for people to take what they need or contribute items at any time.
Volunteers say the Blessing Box operates on a simple principle: “Take what you need, leave what you can.” Members of the congregation regularly refill the box with canned goods, cereal, rice, peanut butter, soap, toothpaste, and other essentials.
In a statement to The BayNet, Pastor Brad Criss said the idea came from the church’s desire to provide practical help rooted in compassion and faith.
“Southern Calvert Baptist Church is grateful for the opportunity to serve our neighbors through the new Blessing Box,” Criss said. “The idea grew out of our own stories — many of us know what it’s like to face hard choices and unexpected needs. We wanted a simple, practical way to show God’s love and remind our community that help and hope are available.”
Criss added that the Blessing Box is stocked daily by church members with nonperishable food, baby supplies, Bibles, and information about upcoming programs such as ChainBreakers, a Christ-centered recovery ministry, and GriefShare, a support group for those experiencing loss. Both ministries are free and open to the public.
“The Blessing Box itself is available to anyone in need, no questions asked — no forms, no sign-ups, no conditions,” Criss said. “In Galatians 6:2, we are commanded to ‘carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.’ That call to love and serve one another is the heart behind this ministry.”
He added that the church’s hope is for the Blessing Box to meet immediate physical needs while pointing people toward lasting spiritual hope in Jesus Christ and a caring local church family.
For updates, photos, and ways to get involved, visit the church’s Facebook page at facebook.com/scbcmd.
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