What began as a simple wooden box built by a group of passionate Ashley Hall students has grown into a powerful symbol of compassion, leadership, and connection in our community. The Ashley Hall Blessing Box, located in the parking lot at Fuel Cantina, just up the road on Rutledge Avenue,  operates on a simple yet profound principle: Take what you need, leave what you can.

The Blessing Box was a project led by beloved Ashley Hall teacher Kiki Sweigart in 2020. It quickly became a cherished part of the Ashley Hall community—a tangible way for students, parents, and neighbors to support one another. Though Mrs. Sweigart sadly passed away in 2024, the project continues in her honor, carried forward by students in the Doing Good Society, keeping leadership and oversight in student hands.

From the start, the need has been clear—and constant. The Blessing Box sees steady use from the surrounding community, with families depending on it daily for nonperishable food, toiletries, and other essentials. Middle School students and Doing Good Society members organize regular drives to collect items, restocking the box each week. During the summer months, staff, faculty, and dedicated Ashley Hall families volunteer to keep it filled, ensuring there is no gap in support, even when school is not in session.

This year, that commitment received an extra boost from Ashley Hall’s dining service provider, Flik Dining Services, which made two $1,000 donations to help sustain the project and expand its reach.

At its heart, the Blessing Box is more than a service project—it’s a living lesson in empathy, gratitude, and community leadership. It shows students that giving back doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. And in the spirit of Ashley Hall, it reminds us that even small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact. Vayia Kourtidis ’29, a member of the Doing Good Society, summed it up perfectly, “I believe we have a responsibility to help our community in any way we can, especially as food insecurity increases. I’m so thankful to Mrs. Sweigart for introducing it to the school, and I love to maintain it in her memory.”

If you would like to help stock the Blessing Box, please consider participating in the Ashley Hall food drive taking place from November 10 through 20. Drop-off boxes are located in the Pardue Hall Reception Area and across campus in each division office. Food collected will benefit both the Ashley Hall Blessing Box and the Lowcountry Foodbank. 

Please keep in mind that everyone is welcome to stock the Blessing Box directly at any time! We are noticing that donations are very quickly going to those in need. Here are some suggested items for donation: Whole Grain Rice, Pasta or Oats; Low Sodium Soups or Stews; Canned Tuna; Canned Meats; Low Sugar Cereal; 100% Fruit Juice; Canned Fruits; Canned Vegetables. Pop-top cans are preferable, as not everyone has access to a can opener.