05/20/2026
Please donate if you are able!
One of our volunteers was deeply touched this week by a woman (who looked to be in her late 70s) who came to shop at our pantry. After selecting her food, she was ready to leave - but instead - she turned around and walked back to the front desk.
This elderly woman reached into the pocket of her worn clothing and pulled out a crumpled $5 bill.
Our volunteer told her that she did not need to pay for the food, it was donated to help those in need. But the woman quietly replied, “Yes, I do need to pay. It is important to me that I give something back.”
The volunteers encouraged her to keep the money. It appeared to be all she had in her pocket. But she refused, saying it meant so much to her to contribute and asking us to please accept the money.
So, with enormous gratitude, we reluctantly took the $5 and promised her it would be used to help provide food for others in need.
As tears filled her eyes, she said:“Bless this pantry. It is saving lives.”
We may never know her full story, but what we do know is this: she was deeply grateful not only to receive help, but to still have the dignity and opportunity to give back.
Her generosity reminds us that compassion is not measured by the size of the gift, (or even the condition of the money) but by the heart behind it.
To everyone who supports this pantry — through donations, volunteering, prayers, and kindness — thank you. As this elderly woman reminds us, you are helping save lives, one person and one story at a time.
