Organizer cites repeated clearing‑out at Riegelwood site, Bolton location unaffected
Riegelwood, NC — A local volunteer who maintains two community Blessing Boxes says repeated misuse at the Riegelwood site has prompted a shift to a once‑weekly restocking schedule. The boxes, which operate on an honor system, are supplied by individual volunteers and civic groups to provide food and basic necessities for residents experiencing hardship.
In a public post, organizer Mariah McDonald said the Riegelwood box has been repeatedly emptied by the same individual(s), based on footage from a security camera installed at the site. She noted that the Bolton location has not experienced any issues.
McDonald said she invests her own money, to build the blessing boxes and to keep the boxes stocked. She is grateful for those that donate to the blessing boxes, emphasized that the resource is intended as a hand up to individuals and families in genuine need of a meal or hygiene products. Mariah added that she routinely prepares larger, sustained‑support boxes for anyone who reaches out directly, but said the ongoing misuse is undermining the purpose of the effort.
The Blessing Boxes follow the guiding principle, “Take what you need, leave what you can,” relying on community trust to ensure supplies remain available for neighbors facing food insecurity. McDonald said she hopes the adjustment will preserve the program but feels that if the abuse of the honor system continues, it would force her to step back from the initiative.
The Riegelwood Blessing Box is located at Riegelwood Park and Ballfield at Waccamaw and Green Road. The Bolton box is located at 221 9th Street.
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