Almost two years after the tragic Memorial Day tornados, neighborhoods off of Wagner Ford Road are still recovering.
This led to a Northridge woman bringing a bit of hope to her area through the Polar Bear Blessing Box.
Erica Woodburn said the donation box began at her home only days after the tornado hit her neighborhood.
“It started with toys for kids and then we started just getting everything, clothes, furniture and we started setting it up here in the driveway like a yard sale, but everything was free,” Woodburn said.
The Polar Bear Blessing Box now has a permanent location on 3951 Montevideo Drive in Dayton.
Woodburn said the donation box started in January and was made from repurposed kitchen cabinets and has since blown up in the community.
“Within the first month, we had given out almost 400 cans of food, 100 hats, 100 pairs of gloves,” she said.
The box is not only a popular spot for those in need, but also for those wanting to donate as well.
“Saturday morning we left for an hour or so and we came home and had like 8 boxes of donations here,” said Woodburn.
People are able to donate almost anything, such as shoes, shampoo, snacks, books and more.
“We try to keep a good mix of things because you just never know what someone may need,” Woodburn said. “It gives me a lot of hope…and I hope it does the same for other people.”
Those who are interested in picking up or dropping off items can do so any time of the day or night.
They can also be found on Facebook at Polar Bear Blessing Box.
Cox Media Group
