DEDICATION HELD — A dedication was held Dec. 13 for the newly-installed Blessing Box that is located on the property of the Richmond Lighthouse Evangelical Presbyterian Church. The church is located at 336 W. Main St. in Richmond. On hand for the presentation were, from left, front, Don Ware, Amanda Richardson and Kim Richardson, Richmond Lions Club members; Becky Swickard and her son, Brian Swickard; and Mark Johnson and Kenny Miser, Lions Club members; and back, John Costa and Bobby Eroshevich, church representatives; and Adam Richardson, Lions Club president. The Blessing Box, dedicated in memory of Don Swickard, was a collaborative project involving the club, church and Knight Time Kreations. -- Contributed

RICHMOND — The Richmond Lions Club, in partnership with the Richmond Lighthouse Evangelical Presbyterian Church, celebrated the installation and ribbon-cutting ceremony of a new Blessing Box on Dec. 13. The event marked a new chapter of community support and generosity in the village of Richmond.

The Blessing Box is a small outdoor pantry filled with food and toiletries. It stands as a symbol of what can be achieved when neighbors come together for the greater good, according to club members.

The project was a true community effort. Edison FFA students collaborated with the Lions Club to build the box. Knight Time Kreations designed and created the signage. The Richmond Lighthouse Church, located at 336 W. Main St. in Richmond, offered to host the box as a permanent fixture on its property.

The box will remain stocked year-round, with nonperishable food items and hygiene products readily available for anyone in need.

In a heartfelt moment during the ceremony, the Richmond Lions Club dedicated the Blessing Box to the memory of the late Don Swickard, a longtime Lions Club member who dedicated more than 40 years of service to Richmond. Known for his generosity and unwavering commitment to helping others, Swickard’s legacy continues through this new community resource.

The Lions Club expressed gratitude to all community members, businesses and organizations who contributed items and financial support, to ensure the Blessing Box began its first day of service fully stocked and ready to help those in need.

Residents are encouraged to take what they need and, when able, contribute to keep the Blessing Box filled for others.