BROOKFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio - A 'Blessing Box' in Brookfield and the person behind the project has attracted the attention of the United Way of Trumbull County.

Hubbard High School student, Madelyn Fonagy, recently received the 'Thankful Acts of Kindness' award from the United Way for starting and maintaining the project.

The Blessing Box is a small, food pantry located outside of the dental office of Dr. Joseph Fonagy in Brookfield. Dr. Fonagy is Madelyn's grandfather.

During the height of the pandemic last year, like many other people in the area, Dr. Fonagy's practice was temporarily shut down. This was motivation for Madelyn to start the Blessing Box.

"Despite the temporary closure of his practice, my family has been relatively fortunate throughout the pandemic, but I know there are many other families that haven't been as lucky. I started this pantry to try and help those families by offering them food items," said Fonagy.

The Blessing Box encourages people to 'take what they need and leave what they can.'

In addition to non-perishable food donations, Fonagy also collected monetary donations to help keep the Blessing Box stocked.

She said, breakfast items like pancakes, syrup and oatmeal are the quickest to go. 

"I check the box every day. It started off slow, but more and more people have gradually begun to use it. I am anxious to keep it going," said Fonagy.

If you need food, or would like to donate to the Blessing Box, you can stop by the Blessing Box, which is located outside of Dr. Fonagy's office at 7159 Warren Sharon Road in Brookfield.