We delivered winter gear, clothes and food to a boy who carefully chose what he needed, lifted his bag of new clothes with a sparkling smile and told us thank you, while his mom later shared how much relief and happiness it brought them after a hectic week. This simple, heart led delivery was funded by a neighbour who wanted to help. It removed pressure from a parent and gave the family a boost of hope, showing how small acts of community care can help families breathe, regroup and feel less alone.
I met with a woman in a coffee shop this week and she put cash in my hands so I could go out and help someone who truly needed it. It changed the lives of 8 people. Using that cash along with donations I had received, I delivered a week’s worth of food and a new set of clothes to households that included 5 children in total plus to 1 teenager with their mom. They said they normally scrape by but this particular couple weeks they were left with nothing.
When I drove to the single mom and teenager’s house, I first gave them their food. Then I put the tailgate down and started laying out clothes I had collected from donations that I thought the young man would like. He didn’t have winter boots so he took those first. Then he slowly went through every single item of clothing I put out and started a keep and no pile. The no pile he folded back so nicely and kept a perfect looking pile. Every now and then, I scooped it up, bagged it and put it back in the truck.
He spent an entire hour between our chats and sorting the clothes in -20 degree weather. This told me how much he truly needed and wanted clothes and winter gear. After taking a few items he asked if he took too much. I said take every item if you want to. I brought this for you to choose from. He looked relieved and kept looking.
“He walked halfway up the driveway, turned around and waited quietly until I noticed. We made eye contact and he held his bag of new clothes up high, smiled and said thank you a bit slower than the first time. He wanted me to know he meant it. His eyes sparkled and smiled for him anyway so I already knew.”
When he was done he said okay! Im all done, thank you. His sparkle became mine too. Later in the day, I received an email from his mom. She said “My son came inside pretty happy he has clothes that fit, food and winter stuff. I’ve had a really hectic week and him coming inside with a smile like that….thank you. We are both very appreciative and can’t wait to see you again!”
Sometimes going to get support is a barrier depending on circumstances on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Sometimes rarely and sometimes often. Sometimes there simply isn’t enough at the foodbank or it’s challenging to get kids to eat what they are given. Sometimes some months or weeks just end up feeling impossible. But that’s why we are part of a community. To help one another when we can.
A woman gave me money to go out and help someone. I went out and delivered her gift of love on behalf of both of us and that’s how we make the world a better place. Being that person. Being that change. Not always or every time, just when we can. And that adds up to a huge community impact. We uplift together.
This is more than just food. This is removing pressure and panic from parents that are already stretched thin. It’s filling gaps and unique needs that buy families some time to figure out their next steps. This has a positive impact mentally, emotionally and physically for the parents and the children.
Sometimes that’s all we need. A temporary boost that helps us keep going when we are working hard to improve our circumstances. Some hope, some witnessing, maybe a hug and to know we are not in it alone. When we help one, we help everyone. Including ourselves.