DorcasBox is an initiative of the Hope Journey Community in Ghana, named after the biblical figure Dorcas (also known as Tabitha) from the Book of Acts, who was renowned for her “good works and acts of charity,” specifically in making clothes for the needy.
True to its namesake, DorcasBox is a clothing and essential needs drive designed to provide dignity and comfort to people living in deprived rural communities.
How It Works
The project functions as a bridge between urban residents (who often have a surplus of items) and rural dwellers (who face extreme poverty).
- The Collection Phase: The community sets up collection points—often in Accra, Kumasi, and Tema—where the public can donate “gently used” or new items.
- The Sorting Phase: Volunteers meet to sort, wash (if necessary), and package these items into boxes.
- The Distribution Phase: The boxes are transported to a selected “mission village” during one of the community’s major outreaches (such as Xmas with a Village).
What’s Inside a DorcasBox?
While clothing is the primary focus, the “boxes” typically include a variety of household and personal items:
- Clothing: Outfits for children, men, and women.
- Footwear: Shoes, sandals, and school boots.
- Bedding: Sheets, blankets, and pillows.
- Hygiene Products: Sanitary pads, soaps, and detergents.
- Kitchenware: Pots, pans, and utensils for families in need.
The Goal: “More Than Just Rags”
One of the distinguishing features of DorcasBox is the standard of quality. The Hope Journey Community emphasizes that donations should not be “trash,” but rather items that are in good condition.
The initiative aims to do more than just give away clothes; it seeks to:
- Restore Dignity: Providing clean, decent clothing to those who may only own one or two worn-out outfits.
- Support Education: Including school uniforms or decent clothes for children to wear to school.
- Foster Evangelism: The distribution is usually paired with a gospel message, using the physical gift as a demonstration of “Christian love in action.”
Recent Impact
In recent years, DorcasBox has been a major part of the community’s visits to villages like Amede, Sansami Amanfrom and Amartey-Koni, where hundreds of families received packages tailored to their needs.