(Decatur County, IN) – Decatur County United Fund has delivered “Hope Boxes” to the community.
The aim of the Hope Boxes is provide emergency hygiene products and resource materials to persons around the county who are facing hardship.
Thanks to a Decatur County Community Foundation grant, 100 boxes are being distributed throughout the community to offer comfort, dignity, and practical support.
Each Hope Box contains a variety of hygiene items—such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and other personal care products—alongside information about local services and resources available to those in need. These include 2-1-1 resources, 9-8-8 suicide prevention, Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) services, and United Fund’s funded partner contact information.
The goal is simple yet powerful: to deliver hope, one box at a time.
“We know that small acts of kindness can make a big difference,” said Joane Cunningham, Executive Director of Decatur County United Fund. “These Hope Boxes are more than just supplies—they’re a reminder that our community cares and that help is always within reach.”
The initiative was made possible through funding from the Decatur County Community Foundation Mental Health Grant.
These boxes allow a way to start the conversation with people who may need assistance. Mental health can look different to everyone and can cause different struggles to arise such as homelessness and food insecurity.
“We are excited to collaborate with the community by giving a touch point for assistance to those who need it,” Katrina Hawkins, Administrative Marketing Assistant said. “These boxes allow a starting point to get people the help they need. Whether that’s food, shelter, or something else.”
Hope Boxes have been strategically placed around the county, including at the Adams Fire Department, Community Healthcare Clinic, Centerstone, CIT (pictured), Greensburg Community Bread of Life, Greensburg/Decatur County Public Library, Decatur County Health Department, Washington Township Trustee, and Westport Fire Department.
These organizations are seeing an increase in the number of people asking for assistance. The Hope Boxes are seen as a starting point for help.
Decatur County United Fund’s 16 supported partners are listed on the organization’s website: www.dcuf.com.
