When you see William, you see a man of few words who has been through a lot but is never without
a smile. After being recently released from the hospital after a two year stay, he is currently
receiving a small disability check, but it is not enough money to cover bills, medical care,
rent and food. He comes to receive food from an agency in a rural area that the Freestore
Foodbank’s Kraft Foods Mobile Pantry makes a monthly stop.
He acknowledges that his community is really struggling due to the downturn in the economy and
the Mobile Food Pantry fills a great need in the area. “It’s wonderful. I don’t know what we
would do without it.”He also shared how receiving help from the Freestore Foodbank and the agency in his area has
compelled him to pay it forward. “If someone is going to help me, I’ve got to go help someone
else. That’s how it works. They showed me that here. I come here for clothes, shoes,
everything, and they give me what I need. I have to give back too.” He regularly volunteers at
the agency and whenever he has a little extra, he brings it to share with those that the agency
serves.
Although he has disabilities, he knows there are people that are worse off. When he comes to
the Mobile Pantry, he always stays for the full two hours to help carry bags of groceries.
“Event though I might not be the fastest or the strongest bag carrier, I know I’m doing
something good for someone that needs it,” William says with a grin.
