Woman Caught On Camera Destroying Sioux Falls Blessing Box

Hidden deep inside Sioux Falls are little reminders that people still really do care for each other these days.

These reminders don't get a lot of attention. They aren't flashy. But they do serve as a very important element within the city that helps to impact the lives of so many of our friends and neighbors in need.

These subtle reminders come in the form of "Blessing Boxes."

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You'll find these small, free pantries scattered around the city, often outside local businesses, churches, and other community gathering places. The idea is incredibly simple: If you have something to give, leave it in the box. If you need something, take what you need.

Unfortunately, one Sioux Falls Blessing Box became the target of an act of vandalism late last week.

According to Dakota News Now, a woman was caught on a security camera on the evening of Friday, August 7, destroying a Blessing Box located outside Sioux Falls collectible store 605 Diecast.

The woman used a golf club to damage the box.

Police were called to investigate, but the reason behind the vandalism remains unclear. Interestingly, despite the apparent attempt to get into the box, the police report indicated that nothing was stolen.

So what prompted someone to take a golf club to a little box designed to help people?

Nobody seems to know. And perhaps that's what makes the situation even more difficult to understand.

For Marie Murfin, co-owner of 605 Diecast, the incident was certainly frustrating. But it isn't going to stop her family from continuing to help people who need it.

Murfin told Dakota News Now, “The woman just took her anger out on it, and I’m not sure what the anger was about. Maybe she didn’t even understand what the anger was about. Maybe she is trying to release some pain. But it’s not gonna stop us.”

The Blessing Box has been part of Murfin's business since she and her husband opened it in 2020. Their goal was simple: Give people in the community a place where they could find food and other necessities without having to explain why they needed them.

And over the years, it's apparently done exactly that.

Murfin says she's seen firsthand how much of a difference the box can make for local families.

One of the most telling parts of this story is what happens after the Blessing Box gets restocked.

It doesn't stay full for very long.

Murfin says items placed inside the box can disappear fairly quickly, which is a pretty powerful reminder that there are people throughout the Sioux Falls area who are struggling to put food on the table.

For someone who has plenty, dropping off a few canned goods, snacks, or other necessities might seem like a small gesture. For someone hungry, it can mean dinner. For a parent, it might mean being able to feed their child.

And that's why Murfin isn't giving up.

She plans to have her Blessing Box repaired and restocked as soon as possible. She'll also use social media to help get the word out and let people know when the box is back up and ready to begin being a blessing once again to those in need in the community.