Edible Kindness - Heart of Delmarva

Mar 01, 2021

The birth of The Kindness Box.

Deborah Ritterson moved to Delmarva in August 2018 from just outside of Philadelphia, PA. She began remodeling her new abode and becoming familiar with her new community. She came across the idea of a “lending library” while perusing online and thought it was a brilliant idea to give the gift of stories to a community.

That’s when her imagination ignited. 

“I thought, why not do something like this, but with food!” Deborah said. Her father, who had passed away months prior, had a genuine giving spirit. “He was always paying it forward,” she says. She wanted to pay tribute to her father’s kind heart by doing something for the community. What better way than paying it forward with food.

A friend put her in contact with a box maker, and the day before Thanksgiving 2019 The Kindness Box made its debut. Deborah purchased $50 worth of groceries, deposited them in the box, made a simple Facebook post and the idea took off like wildfire!

What started as a small box and a simple social media post has sparked the hearts of those both in and out of the community. Friends and family started sending in items and money to help replenish the box. Others in the community started dropping off items to help. The box has also been featured on local television, giving more awareness of the community need and more exposure to the box. The Kindness Box is always available and stocked with free food to help nourish those in need.

When COVID-19 hit, the need for aid increased as many people lost income. Deborah remembers restocking the box at least twice daily during the height of the pandemic. Since the holidays, there has been a huge uptick in need. In one weekend, the box was refilled 5 times. She has come to realize that a bigger box is needed to house all the outpouring of contributions to cover the need. So, after the winter weather vacates Delmarva, a bigger and better box is on the way.

Deborah has also organized numerous drives for local children at Christmas and donations for the families of those who have passed away, such as law enforcement officers and community leaders. “I just want people to know that help is out there,” says Deborah.

Thank you Deborah for being a leading heart in our community. True kindness starts with one person performing one heartfelt act. Deborah’s kindness just happens to be edible.

Want to donate to The Kindness Box?

Contact Deborah Ritterson directly. Items must be non-perishable and must not be expired. Donations through Venmo (@Debbie-Ritterson) are also accepted.