DALLAS, N.C. -- It's that time of the month when money runs low for Mildred Turner and her family.

Her savior was found at the blessing box in Dallas, North Carolina.

It's full of items anyone might need including snacks, toiletries and cereal.

It was built with community support, but spearheaded by Stacey Thomas.

  • Stacey Thomas began a "blessing box" for those in need in Gaston County.
  • She was inspired by her daughter, who died from Gorham's Vanishing Bone Disease.
  • Thomas says no one abuses the box and people leave what others struggle to afford. 

“You can pull up to the blessing box at your discretion, take what you need, and no one else will know,” Thomas said.

For Thomas, the box isn’t just about feeding people. There's a deeper, more personal reason for why she started it -- her daughter, Jasmine, lost her fight last year.

She died from an extremely rare sickness called Gorham's Vanishing Bone Disease.

“It's what it sounds like where your bones just vanish. Hers stayed in her facial area but your bones can vanish anywhere in your body,” Thomas said. “No one knew actually how to treat it.”

Searching for a way to honor Jasmine she decided to start the blessing box.

“She [Jasmine] always said regardless of what you're doing in life, regardless of what you set out to do, don't strive to be good, just strive to be great,” Thomas said.

Today, from a simple idea, greatness in Dallas is reached a little easier. It saved Turner a few weeks ago when she ran out of baby formula for her granddaughter.

“It felt wonderful like I had wings. I could just fly all through the house,” Turner said.

Thomas said people don't abuse the box. They take what they need while others leave what some struggle to afford.

“I don't have a lot myself but I do have enough that I can share with someone else, and potentially be a blessing to them,” Thomas said.

The blessing box is located behind the Gaston Baptist Church in Dallas.

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