Two

Years ago, during one of our back-to-school fundraiser drives, I was inspired by people and posted this to Facebook. I’m reposting it here in the hopes that others can also take heart. 
Today I was overwhelmed by people calling, messaging or stopping by to share their “back to school” needs. You see, that white piece of paper that sits inside Wal-Mart that lists what your child needs for school elicits excitement in most parents. But in the hearts of those who struggle financially, that white piece of paper is a daunting wall. It brings stress, fear and even embarrassment. Filling that list, to some, is akin to climbing a mountain. Before today, I never thought of school supply shopping this way. I probably never will see it the same way again either. 
I shared the story of a 12 year-old boy this morning who came in with his mom and siblings and wanted to sell his xbox and games in order to buy school stuff for he and his siblings. It broke my heart to hear that, and I was able to quickly find a couple here in town who would take care of them. That was such a blessing. I was so humbled, to see a 12 year old so willing to share. 
This afternoon, a 16 year old girl came into the shop, in tears. I won’t go into the details of what some of the issues were, but Jon and I were so bothered by what she had to say. And, she was overwhelmed by $25–at BHS, students are getting Chromebooks this year and have to put down a $25 deposit. She has nothing–no money, no one to ask for money. Think about that: $25 is something a lot of us just waste without thinking–but to her, it was an obstacle that made her not want to enroll in school at all. I hugged her, and promised her that we’d make sure she was taken care of. The relief on her face was unbelievable. 
And while I was talking to her, A mom on disability messaged me this heartbreaking request: “Rob, please, my son has only one pair of pants. We’ve gone to the free store to get stuff and they didn’t have anything that worked. He has no school supplies either. He’s a good boy–he’s working at a job right now, and all the money he makes goes to pay our electric and water bills.”
Touched by this story, I asked how old her responsible son was, only to be shocked by the response: “He’s 14.” I was already reeling from the young girl I’d just spoken with, and as soon as I read that, I had to go back to the back of my shop. I needed a moment of privacy, to dry my eyes, and comprehend what I’d heard and seen today. A fourteen year old boy. 
And I’ve received another few requests for things this evening. Most people are scared to death that they are going to be judged by asking for help. I assure them, I will not judge–and will protect their privacy. But to see these kids today, worrying about things that adults are supposed to worry about, tears up my heart. 
I’m not sure why I’m posting this, really, other than to let people know that there are so many people, right here in our community, who struggle. And they’re not bad people. They’re not “takers,” they’re not “moochers,” they’re people. I guess I’m asking when you are scanning that white sheet of paper, if you find it in your heart to buy some extra markers or pencils, and want to drop them off somewhere that they’ll be guaranteed to get put to good use, I will make sure they get to a good home. 
No 12 year old should feel they have to sell their stuff to take care of their family; but I bet that boy knows more about being a man than most men I’ve ever met. No 14 year old should have to worry about electric bills. Period. Today the14 year old and his mom stopped by to see what clothes I had, and found a pair of pants he could use. I got the chance to look him in the eye, and I shook his hand and thanked him, as a man, for taking care of his mom. And, holding that handshake, promised him that I didn’t know how, but I will make sure the stuff he needs for school will be taken care of too. 
I don’t have all the answers for society’s ills. Nor do I have enough money to take care of many needs (but we will stretch it!), but I can’t just be okay in life, knowing that there are people struggling with things that are so easy for us to help with. 
So, if you’re reading this and you’re feeling alone and helpless and stressed about school coming up, please let us know. We may not be able to do everything, or even many things, but we will help with what we can, or find someone who can help. I talked to a single mom today who is so wracked with depression and anxiety over this that she cried herself to sleep every night. I assured her that we would help somehow. 
In my mind, a mom that has to go through that, it’s just not okay. These kids, stressed about school clothes, is not okay. 
But through this, I have seen ordinary, working people say, “it’s not okay to me either,” and step up for these families. And that, as I said in a earlier post, restores my faith in humanity. 
“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these, my brethren, yet have done it unto me.” 
Just a rambling note that I felt I had to put into words tonight.