GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. - There's a new Berkshire Blessing Box -- a mini "take what you need, leave what you can’" food pantry behind the Great Barrington First Congregational Church.

Angela Moro, creator of the Berkshire Blessing Box, said, “As a community nurse, it was born out of a need for my patients who are elderly and frail, and have a bit of trouble with waiting in lines for the food pantry.”

Moro first came up with the idea in 2019 and she finally got approval for the project last fall.

Herrington’s Inc. building supplies donated the materials for the box and local builder Glen Gallagher volunteered to put it together.

Gallagher said,“I have a history of building cabinetry and furniture, so I had some items around my house so I already started with that right away, some cabinet and box pieces. I made the box right away, the doors, and then I finished it when we got the donations from Harrington’s.”

Moro said she checks in on the pantry at least once a day to make sure it’s stocked. For now, they’re only accepting non-perishables and paper products so nothing gets damaged or spoiled by the cold temperatures.

“In the first week, I have seen that cereals, oatmeal, paper products, have come and gone," Moro said.

The box opened for the first time on New Year ’s Day and Moro said she’s pleasantly surprised by the community’s support for the new project.

Moro said, “The box has been full. Items are coming and items are going. The need is here and I’m so gracious for all of the donors who have come forth and also for those who’ve come and taken what they needed.”