poor box

American  

noun

1. a box, especially in a church, into which contributions for people in need can be dropped.

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poor box British  

noun

1. a box, esp one in a church, used for the collection of alms or money for the poor

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Etymology

Origin of poor box

First recorded in 1615–25

Example Sentences

However, a poor box office showing for "Eternals" ultimately saw the planned follow-up movie scrapped.

From Salon

"Hillsong followers believe that the money they put in the poor box goes to the poor."

From Salon

Since Pollesch took the reins, the theater’s program has been a hot mess, with critical pans and poor box office returns.

From New York Times

Anyway, that's the gist of Disney's latest animated release, which, as you may have heard, had a stunningly poor box office showing across Thanksgiving weekend.

From Salon

On the poor box office returns Fincher said, “Two years of your life and you get one fax and it’s like, ‘Everybody go home.

From Salon