On a recent donation pickup, I was reminded that our mission can touch the lives of all we meet, not only those seeking assistance. For this special pickup, I was joined by volunteers Judy Fargo (Brockton), Nick Staley (Stonehill College), and Samantha Gignac (Boston College). As we left our facility in Easton, I explained the circumstances that made this donation unique.
The previous day, I received a phone call from a woman named Lauren. She tearfully explained that her teenage daughter, Katie, had tragically died in a car accident just a few days earlier. Lauren told me over the phone, “I know you’re a Christian ministry and I’m hoping that you can help me. I want to give Katie’s belongings directly to young girls in need.”
I explained to Lauren that My Brother’s Keeper doesn’t generally use donations of clothing and shoes; however, given the tragic circumstances, we would pick up the items and work with other local charities to find the best possible home for them. I made arrangements to pick up the donation the next day.
When we arrived at Lauren’s house, there was a black cloth hanging on the front door, an old funeral tradition mourning a death in the family. I rang the bell and when the door opened, Lauren stood sobbing before us. We went inside and gave her our deepest sympathy for the loss of her daughter. Through tears, she thanked us and showed us several large bags filled with Katie’s belongings. We assured her these items would be greatly appreciated by many other young girls, hoping that it offered this grieving mother some small measure of peace and consolation.
As we were leaving, I told Lauren that we would keep Katie and their entire family in our prayers. I was a bit taken back by her response. She looked at me very intently and said, “Will you? Will you really? Many people say that they will pray, but I fear they don’t. Please promise that you will pray for my Katie.”
I assured her our staff and volunteers had already prayed for Katie that very morning at our opening prayer and that we would continue to pray for her: Katie’s name would be added to our Book of Remembrance. I then offered her a crucifix for her family. Lauren, still crying, said very quietly, “Thank you for all that you do.” We thanked her for her thoughtfulness and generosity in the midst of her pain and again expressed our sympathy before exchanging hugs.
Judy, Nick, Samantha and I left the house and got back in the van. Everyone was quiet as we processed the emotions of what had just happened and the pain and anguish that Lauren was experiencing. She needed our mission during this difficult time as much as any family that we serve with furniture or food. On this donation pickup, a group of seemingly strangers were united in Christ’s Love and Hope, just like the thousands of deliveries we make each year.