Community kindness: Blessing Box Project Bluffton

A quiet movement of generosity is making a big difference—one box at a time. Blessing Box Project Bluffton is aimed at fighting food insecurity and supporting neighbors in need through small, community-stocked food pantries.

Blessing boxes are simple, 24/7-accessible structures filled with non-perishable food items and basic necessities. For temporary hardship or ongoing challenges, the boxes offer immediate help.

At the core is a simple motto: “Take what you need...Give what you can.”

Bluffton’s leader Kathy Straughn was inspired by her Granny, who taught that giving comes from the heart—a personal decision guided by empathy. Bluffton’s boxes locations include: Sea Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, Alljoy Donut, The Store on Calhoun, New Life Church, Okatie-Bluffton Fire Department.

This summer 12-year-old Lincoln Keene, a rising 7th grader at River Ridge Academy, launched a food drive for Blessing Box Project Bluffton as part of his National Junior Honor Society service hours.

Lincoln explained, “My mom told me about these boxes that can help children who don’t get to eat as much while public school is out. Since they wouldn’t get school breakfast or lunch, I wanted to help because I don’t want any kids to go hungry.”
He spread the word through social media and the project grew. JustServe.org added it to their volunteer site. Neighborhoods learned of Lincoln’s goal. Even Lincoln’s summer camp helped.

During his summer day camp, Lincoln noticed something small yet meaningful. One lunch included craisins, which Lincoln mentioned was one of his favorite treats. After that off-hand comment, a few friends gave him their packs. Rather than keep them, Lincoln realized he could share the packets with his food drive efforts. Soon, word spread among campers aged 5 to 12, and about 20 kids handed over their craisins for the drive.

Impact truly takes a village. Local youth like Lincoln have embraced the cause, proving that service and compassion start early.

Ella Carlson, from H.E. McCracken Middle School, shared: “I collected food donations for a month, and then my mom and I filled the boxes. I really enjoyed knowing we are were helping our community. I hope more adults and kids get involved as Miss Kathy is easy to work with and was always so supportive.”

Nico Jackson, from Hilton Head Christian Academy, added: “I had the opportunity to help the community, in particular kids in need, by hosting a virtual food drive. This experience has been really fulfilling knowing that I got to help people as a child of God.”
From young children to devoted adults, Bluffton’s cycle of giving reflects the community’s strength and compassion.

A native South Carolinian, Emily Loader is happiest in the sunshine with a big bowl of grits and a side of “burrelled” peanuts. She thinks in prose as she explores the coast on foot, bike, and boat with her family and believes everyone has a story that helps others grow, sparking further connections with our relatives and community members.