Job insecurity and unexpected home repairs left Barry and his family in great need this holiday season.

Barry is a survivor.

As a U.S. Army veteran, and in everyday life, the 63-year-old has learned to make do with very little. But sometimes, life piles it on.

Right now he’s caring for his 83-year-old mother, he’s struggling to find work, and he just had to replace the aging pipes in his house because they were on the verge of bursting.

But Barry feels lucky because, thanks to the kindness of people like you, his family has enough nutritious food to get through this holiday season.

“Thank you!” Barry says to caring neighbors like you. “It’s a blessing.”

Because of your generous donations, Barry can take home groceries from The Ark Community Resource Center in Pegram, a Partner Agency of Second Harvest. He stops in for food only when he’s in great need.

Winters are the hardest

Barry worked as a construction superintendent up until 2007, but it hasn’t been easy for him to find steady work since then.

Winters are hardest, Barry says. He values the food at The Ark because it helps him stretch his budget to pay other bills. Such as replacing the pipes in his house — an unexpected expense, but a necessary repair before the coming winter.

Barry says the food you help provide to The Ark is a valuable resource for his entire community and reaches many people who need help. He lives in Cheatham County, where 10 percent of residents are food insecure.

Thousands of people like Barry will rely on Second Harvest this holiday season. Thank you for sharing what you have with neighbors who truly need help. Your kindness makes a difference every day in your community!

Help us make sure that neighbors like Barry have enough to eat this holiday season!