Mite Boxes

Perhaps inspired by the various “cent” or “mite” societies of the early 1800s, the Woman’s Mission to Woman (Baptist) urged members in its first circular letter in 1871 to use their new Mite Box to raise funds. The entire family was encouraged to contribute. The garnet-colored paper box had an opening on the top and the words, “Woman’s Mission to Woman,” in gold letters on the side.

Over the years, many Lutheran Ladies Aid societies used a box to gather funds in support of local ministries.

The first Mite Box design had space for districts to imprint local messages. Among the suggestions offered were:

• Put your pennies in the box at the end of each day
• Say “thank you” with an appropriate amount whenever calamity or misfortune has been averted
• Empty all your loose change from your kitchen coin bowl into the box on meeting day

Throughout the decades, Lutheran women have stepped out in faith, setting goals and trusting God to move the hearts of His people to give generously to LWML to proclaim the Gospel.

Mite Boxes have changed in color and design over the years, but what has never changed is the dedication of freely given offerings for the purpose of reaching out to others with the Good News of Jesus Christ. National mites fund over $1 million in mission grants. See Mission Grants on the Lutheran Women in Mission site for the current grant recipients and payments.