“Imagine Walking in Someone Else’s Shoes”

Charles retired but at age 69, soon discovered that Social Security and a small pension was not going to make ends meet. He took a job part-time job at a grocery store to make up the slack but had to stop working during the pandemic. He had to protect his compromised health.

He moved to Arizona to live with his son but without enough money after rent and bills, he turned to St. Mary’s Food Bank to fill in the gaps. He has come to St. Mary’s twice a month since last September and it has made all the difference.

Charles looked at the trunk full of food he was heading home with and tried to explain what it meant. The tears came quickly.

“Without St. Mary’s … there just isn’t anything else. There isn’t enough to make it,” Charles said. “I don’t always have access to a car and by the time I can get back here, there is almost nothing left in the house.”

Charles has never been afraid of hard work. He’s always been able to provide for himself and his family. But things are different now. “It’s not easy asking for help for something as basic as food,” he said. “Imagine walking in someone else’s shoe. What that feels like.
“I’m so thankful that this is here for myself and the other people.”