You replaced Matthew’s backpack and pride

Matthew was so embarrassed.

His cover was now blown.  He was hoping no one would see it.  But soon his teacher noticed.  Then the rest of the students noticed it. Matthew’s backpack was leaking.

When his teacher opened his backpack, he felt fear grip him and he was practically in tears.  He didn’t want anyone to see what was in his backpack.

Do you know what it was?

Milk.

On most days, Matthew only drinks half of the milk he receives at lunch.  He saves the other half for home.  See, there is no milk at home, and on some evenings, there is no dinner either.

Matthew is not even 10 years old and he is doing the best he can to survive.  At lunch, he only drinks half of his milk.  He then closes the top of his tiny milk carton and discreetly places it into his backpack as he heads out to recess.  He’s been able to do this for some time without a hitch.

As the dismissal bell rang and all of the students’ backpacks were getting moved around, Matthew’s secret stash of milk opened up.  All of his school supplies and homework were now drenched in milk.  His backpack was soaked.

Matthew’s situation is unusual, but you were still able to be of immediate assistance. You gave Matthew what he needed, when he needed it.

Matthew’s teacher visited the Teachers’ Annex that evening.  She picked up a brand new backpack and some of the core school supplies you helped make available.

The next morning, Matthew’s teacher called him to the side and gave him the backpack and supplies.  Even though Matthew was still a little embarrassed, he was very grateful for the new supplies and even gave his teacher a typical boy hug.  It was his only way of saying thanks.  You taught Matthew that people care about him.

Your help didn’t stop there.  You assisted his family, too.  While at the Teachers’ Annex, Matthew’s teacher was also able to pick up resources for food assistance to share with Matthew’s family.  Very soon, Matthew won’t need to conserve his lunch anymore.

You have been part of saving Matthew from future embarrassment, you replenished his ruined school supplies, and you helped provide resources to Matthew’s family to help lift them out of food insecurity.

You turned a painful situation into one with many possibilities. You once again helped create the future. Thank you.

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