The Cheyenne & Arapaho Youth Council (CAYC) has launched a meaningful and ongoing initiative aimed at promoting social wellness through service and community care. With 60 youth participating, CAYC is creating Blessing Boxes—small food pantries filled with canned goods and non-perishable items—to support families in need across their tribal communities.
The project kicked off with a series of fundraisers including bake sales, raffles, and concession stands, as well as a community food drive. Funds raised are being used to purchase materials and supplies for the construction of the Blessing Boxes, which will be placed at Education Resource Centers (ERCs) throughout the Cheyenne & Arapaho tribal jurisdiction.
The core idea behind the Blessing Boxes is simple but powerful: “Take what you need, leave what you can.” The boxes are designed to be open and accessible to all, allowing anyone in the community to contribute or benefit from the shared resources.
Construction will begin soon, starting with three boxes, and CAYC members will take the lead in monitoring and maintaining them. Fundraising efforts will continue to support the upkeep of the current boxes and to expand the project, with a goal of eventually placing a Blessing Box in each of the 14 Cheyenne & Arapaho communities.
This youth-led effort exemplifies what it means to serve with purpose, compassion, and leadership. Through the Blessing Box project, the Cheyenne & Arapaho Youth Council is creating lasting change and showing how Native youth can meet real needs while fostering unity, generosity, and community strength.