Harvest Fest marked the debut of Bethlehem Blessing Boxes at any event, and Kathy Perlow and Bev Nehilla couldn’t have been happier about it.

The non-profit’s blessing boxes provide free food and everyday essentials to individuals and families in need throughout their community.

The group is especially looking for non-perishable food items such as canned goods and dry goods, as well as new socks of all sizes for children, women and men.

The first blessing box was placed at the Bethlehem Public Library in 2018, before Perlow and Nehilla were involved. “It was started by a bunch of people to help the community and it keeps growing,” Perlow said.

That box is no longer there, but boxes can be found at many other sites. “We have food boxes throughout the city that we fill on at least a weekly basis. A lot are at elementary schools,” Perlow said.

Bethlehem Blessing Boxes, run by a group of 15 volunteers, officially became a non-profit in August, which Perlow said will make the organization more structured.

“This is an opportunity for us to grow – it’s the first time we’re doing an event like this,” said Perlow, who has the food pantry at her house.

They credited Jenn McDermott for spearheading things for Bethlehem Blessing Boxes, which is blessed with dedicated volunteers like Perlow and Nehilla.

“I think if you can ease a problem in a simple way let’s do it,” Perlow said.

Nehilla, who is now retired, shares Perlow’s enthusiasm for the organization. “I am gung ho about helping the community. There’s such a need – I saw that when I worked with the school district.”

The volunteers have been touched by what they’ve experienced, such as moms who use the pantry donating back what their family doesn’t use. “It’s a beautiful thing,” Perlow said, as is a family who built four boxes for the organization.

A Bingo Night supporting Bethlehem Blessing Boxes will take place Nov. 5 at Comfort Suites, 120 W. Third St. Bingo runs from 6 to 8 p.m., and bingo cards may be purchased beginning at 5:30 p.m. The bingo for a cause will include games, prizes and community fun. Bring a non-perishable item and receive a raffle ticket. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to BethlehemBlessingBoxes@gmail.com. The full menu and bar will be available.

Bingo Nights are a win-win situation, as Perlow explained: “Businesses donate the space and we bring in some newbusiness for them.”

Bethlehem Blessing Boxes locations can be found at the Bethlehem YMCA, Marvine ES, Lincoln ES, Freemansburg ES, Calypso ES, Nitschmann MS (not yet installed), Steel City Park (shared with Hellertown Blessing Box group), Fritz Church and Spring Garden ES (Girl Scout Troop 81024 maintains this one plus community members).

Other Bethlehem Boxes the group helps fill can be found at Hope Center, Epworth United Methodist Church, East Hills Moravian Church, Neighborhood Health Centers of the Lehigh Valley (two Bethlehem sites – 635 E. Broad St. inside the health center and open to the public, and Donegan Health Center, 1210 E. Fourth St. inside the health center for school children families).

For more information visit .facebook.com/groups/936936534829299/. You can also visit Bethlehem Blessing Boxes’ Amazon Wish List https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1DWTHHL04JB0K?ref_=wl_share.