HONAKER, Va. - For two weeks in April it wasn't hard to track down Josh Hale. When the Appalachian Power forester wasn't at work, the husband and father of three could be found in the evenings and on the weekends in the woodshop at his home in rural southwest Virginia.

Hale wasn't working on a repair or even building something for his own use; this project was about much more. The talented woodworker was constructing a box that would generate blessings for the needy in his hometown of Honaker, Virginia.

The Appalachian Power forester said the inspiration to build a Blessings Box came during his travels for work through Russell and Dickenson counties. "I started seeing these Blessings Boxes that were used by churches and communities as a way to serve those in need 24/7," said Hale. With a passion for wood working, "I saw this as an opportunity to provide the same in my hometown of Honaker." 

Donors can place items such as non-perishable food, toiletries and baby supplies in the wooden cabinet. Hale's creation was hung in late April outside the entrance to Splash Ministries, a food pantry that since 2009 has served an average of 75 families and more than 150 kids a week. 

"I am thankful for having the resources and know-how to be able to construct a Blessings Box," explained Hale, who found he was equally blessed by the experience. "The kind words and appreciation that was shown during the installation from multiple passersby showed me that small acts of kindness can go a long way in making a big difference for anyone in need."