“It Was Hard to Ask for Help”
Asking for help didn’t come easily for Mary, who spent 20 years as a nurse helping patients in pediatrics, orthopedics, and oncology. But when she was diagnosed with lung and heart disease, things suddenly changed.
“It was hard to ask for help,” says Mary, 73. “I was used to helping.”
She started working at a grocery store to try to make ends meet, but the pay wasn’t as good. Sometimes her hours were cut, or sometimes she’d miss work due to illness.
During those lean times, when Mary’s own food supply was running low, she turned to her local pantry — a step she thought she’d never have to take. But she’s grateful for the pantry’s supply of fresh fruit, veggies, and meat.
“When I ran into difficulties, they were here,” she says, “and they’ve been here for me ever since.”
The pantry staff has gotten to know Mary well in the three years she’s been coming once a month. Their kindness reminds Mary of the power of helping others.
“They’re like nurses,” she says.
“They’ve Become My Friends”
A year ago, Patricia took custody of her three grandchildren. As a result, she left her job of running a restaurant.
“The kids needed me at home,” she says. And the kids — 11-year-old twins and their 9-year-old sibling — needed to be fed, but Patricia’s disability income wasn’t enough to make it work. That’s why she’s grateful for local food distribution in her community. Now, instead of an empty refrigerator, it’s well-stocked.
“The kids open the fridge up to 50 times a day,” Patricia says. “Now they can find what they want.” What they want is often different from what they need, so Patricia is grateful for all the healthier options the food bank provides. And she appreciates the camaraderie built with volunteers. “They’ve become my friends. I’m home a lot and don’t get out, but I look forward to coming here.”
Tri City National Bank has offered to match all gifts to fight senior hunger, up to $10,000, throughout March, donate here.
