Family Receives Help From Food Bank

Jun18

Chris may be the youngest of his siblings at eight years old, but he’s already thinking about making a difference. He wants to become a police officer to help others. Inspired and taught by his friend’s dad who is a police officer, Chris can already recite a portion of the Miranda rights.

“I want to be a cop and help other people. I want to help people that struggle and stuff,” Chris said.

Though the soon-to-be fourth grader is a long way from helping others as a police officer, he’s ready to help his family in any way he can. As a young uncle, he prepares his nieces' and nephews' baby bottles and helps take care of them.

During the summer, Chris is able to do even more with his family. The hot summer days mean swimming at the pool with his cousins and brothers, going to the park, playing tag and having picnics with his family.

Even with all the summer activities Chris is excited for, it’s hard for him to forget what’s going on at home. Chris is worried about his family and he knows that his parents have been having a tough time making ends meet.

Chris’ mom is currently a full time student working towards her degree in the medical field. While his mom goes to school, his dad provides for his family washing cars. When Chris has a chance, he will join his dad to help him wash cars.

“My dad is actually a car wash guy. He washes cars and stuff. I just want to help my dad. I usually help him, if I have like 40 something dollars. I usually help him,” Chris said.

What his dad earns isn’t enough for the family of six. During the school year, Chris yearns for treats at school, especially ice cream on Fridays.

“We also get ice cream [at school], sometimes on Friday’s, but I almost never get any because between not having money or having it in your account, I can’t pay for it,” Chris said.

Even when Chris receives money from gifts, he thinks about helping his family make ends meet.  

“I told one of [my parents], 'Do yall have enough money? Do y’all need to pay a bill?' and they said yes, so I gave them half my money,” he said.

This summer is even more difficult for his parents. Chris’ dad recently lost his job. With higher utility bills and all the kids at home for the summer, families like Chris’ can turn to the Food Bank for help.

“I want to say thank you very much and you’re a good person for helping us,” Chris said.

We’re raising 1 million summer meals to help families like Chris’. Thanks to matching donors, your gift to the Food Bank during the summer helps provide 2x the meals for families struggling to make ends meet. Help us bring back the joys of summer so kids like Chris’ can enjoy all the summer fun and picnics with their families.

Donate Today!