“The holidays are supposed to be a happy time but when you can’t afford to feed your family it doesn’t seem so happy,” said Cheryl.  

At age 70, Cheryl’s raising her six active grandchildren in Columbia. She loves them more than anything and does her best to provide for them. But it’s tough.

“I never thought this late in my life that I would be caring for children – let alone six grandchildren – but here we are,” said Cheryl. “I love them so much and this is what is best for them, to be with me and to be together.”

After five back surgeries, Cheryl has a disability that keeps her from earning any income beyond Social Security. She often struggles to provide for the kids’ needs. She’s especially concerned at this time of year.

“Most days are hard,” Cheryl said of her family’s situation. “There’s never a day I wake up and not worry.”

Fortunately, Cheryl and her family are able to receive help from The Family Center’s Despensa móvil – a Banco de alimentos Second Harvest del centro de Tennessee Partner Agency – at Maury Hills Church in Columbia. 

“Today is such a blessing,” said Cheryl. “For people to come out and help us out just makes me want to cry. It’s beautiful. What these folks are doing out here is beautiful.”

It is projected that 1 in 6 of our Middle and West Tennessee neighbors – including 1 in 5 children – are facing hunger this holiday season. You can help give the gift of food and hope to those in need in our community.