Laurie Sullivan, who walks through the Classen Senior Center Pantry with her adorable 2-year-old granddaughter, knows about blessings.
But lately, things have been a little tough. The loving grandmother used to work two jobs, but a back injury made it impossible to remain employed. She briefly experienced homelessness and found refuge at a shelter, where they helped her get an apartment at Classen Senior Center. Now, she relies on disability insurance to support her and her granddaughter, Je’Leana. But with the recent increases in rent and the loss of extra pandemic-era benefits, she’s finding it difficult to make ends meet.
That’s where supporters like you come in! Thanks to generous gifts to the Regional Food Bank, Laurie can visit the Classen Senior Center Pantry once a month to fill the gaps when money gets tight. She’s endlessly grateful, especially because she can find things at the Classen pantry that she can’t usually find at other pantries.
“There’s a lot here. You can get fresh fruit, lettuce. We’ve gotten cleaners. We got toilet paper, paper towels. I mean you don’t get that at a food pantry. It’s hard to get that.”
Still budgeting tightly, Laurie saves the bulk pantry trips for month’s end. Little Je’Leana, who is often with her grandmother while her mom works, delights in seeing juice, snacks and her favorite goodies lining the shelves. “Graham crackers are her favorite thing. Peanut butter and graham crackers,” says Laurie.
“It’s wonderful,” she continues. “I appreciate it. I appreciate you all very much, from the bottom of my heart.”
We also want to say thank you for helping people like Laurie. Your gifts make a huge difference for so many!
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