Lee

*All names have been changed. *

Lee was the second person we were able to serve today.

She had never been to our pantry before, and actually called to see if the church offered help with utility bills, since her power is about to be turned off. Since we don't have the financial means to do that, she was referred to the pantry, so that perhaps some supplemental groceries could save her a bit of money to help make a payment.

Lee has a full time job working for the state. Unfortunately, it is a job with no benefits. She is the single mother of a 17 year old son. She gets by paycheck to paycheck, like so many of us. She had managed to save up $150 for an emergency.

Recently, she had to have gall bladder surgery, which she has had to pay for out of pocket since she has no insurance. Obviously, her emergency is now gone.
She has been out of work, and receiving no pay. She is having some complications which might put her back in the hospital, as they suspect internal bleeding around the incision and may need to close it up better. She will likely have to be off work for at least 10 more days.


I didn't get to meet her in person, but I talked with her on the phone. She was gracious and formal, seemed uncomfortable asking for help.
Normally, we let pantry clients select their own food. It promotes dignity, reduces waste, and seems to work well for us.
Since Lee was going to have to get a ride and come later today (and has a tight schedule due to medical appointments), I offered to pack her a bag of groceries.
I always like to ask what people prefer not to eat in these situations (especially to take into account food allergies or medical needs). She offered no preference of food, and said they would happily take whatever we gave them.
She sounded defeated. In my imagination, she was looking at the floor when she said that.

There but for the grace of God.