Sometimes the most meaningful journeys start with a simple question. That was certainly true for five-year-old Elizabeth, whose compassion and curiosity led her to wonder aloud to her mom, Brittany, what do people do when they are hungry but don’t have any food?
Seeing an opportunity to show her daughter how she can help rather than simply tell her, Brittany taught Elizabeth about food banks and organizations like Angels & Sparrows. Then, Elizabeth made a plan – she would raise the funds necessary to purchase much-needed items for our Community Table and adjoining Marketplace.
Together with her dad, Elizabeth made soap and propagated sunflower plants from seeds, selling both at a yard sale. She also committed to saving her birthday and Christmas money until she had enough to take to the grocery store.
As they walked around the shelves choosing items to donate, Brittany taught her daughter how to stretch each dollar further, comparing prices per ounce and making thoughtful choices. It was a hands-on lesson in how to make an impact.
Earlier this week, Elizabeth and Brittany stopped by to deliver the results of their hard work – which amounted to an incredible 68 pounds of food(!), some of which was put to use the very same day. Serving 1,200 meals each week at the Community Table means that every item counts. And as we recognize World Food Day this week and the impact that food insecurity has in our community, Elizabeth is a good reminder for all of us that everyone can make a difference.
Brittany shares her advice for parents whose children are looking to understand challenges happening in their community, “Answer their questions, discuss it with them in detail, then – act on it!” We are grateful to all of our helpers – big and small – for the important work they are doing to support our mission. Great job, Elizabeth!
We need your help to keep our plate’s full – click here to learn more.
