I Found $20 In My Pocket!!

We’ve all been there – the unexpected surprise of finding that forgotten bill in your pants pocket. Or in your winter coat when it comes back out of the closet. Or under the seat in your truck when you get to clean it. Regardless of where it’s found, the euphoria we feel is always the same. Yes – what a find!!

After that moment of pleasant surprise, we’re then faced with the inevitable question, “so what do I do with this ‘free’ money?” Treat yourself to something new? Go out to lunch? Stop by the bank and make a deposit? Of course we can do anything we want to with that money, although more often than not, it ends up being something for ourselves.

The reality is that finding money like this will not change the course of our typically comfortable lives. However, it may in fact, make a considerable difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

A local family recently experienced one of these ‘found money’ moments. After a thoughtful dinner discussion, they chose to use it for those struggling with food insecurity and/or homelessness. After a short trip to Kohl’s and the TLC Food Pantry, they created the following ready-made care package.

Once filled, this bag was kept in the family truck to be given to anyone down on their luck. As fate would have it, they came across a homeless Veteran while traveling to visit family for Thanksgiving. With the humility of a true hero, he accepted the package with an expression of gratitude.

Will the package change his life? Only God knows. However, this heart-warming story shows us that even happen-stance occurrences can be turned toward the greater good. If you’ve experienced or performed anything similar, we’ve love to hear about it!

While not as comprehensive as this package, TLC Food Pantry prepares “Just-In-Case” bags that can be used in a similar way. Stable, canned food items are bagged with a can-opener, utensils, and a child-written message of hope. These can be kept in your car, just-in-case you come across someone in need. If you’re interested in picking some up, send us an email and we can make arrangements for you to come get some.