Donna

Donna has been caring for others for as long as she can remember. As a child, she helped a neighbor who fell while gardening. As a nurse, she cared for hundreds of patients throughout her career. Today, her most important patient is her husband, Jim, whose health is failing, and he can no longer work.

"We all have needs, and we all have hard times," explains Donna. She never thought she would be on the receiving end of the kindness and care she has extended to others.

Between medical bills and rising rent, Donna and Jim cannot afford their basic needs. They've cut down on their expenses, including food. A volunteer from a local food pantry supported by Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida began delivering groceries to Donna and Jim's doorstep.

"When everything around me seemed to be imploding, here was someone that wanted to help me and help me help myself," explains Donna. "It was a lifesaver; without it, I don't know what we would have done."

Each week Donna receives a box of groceries filled with meat, eggs, bread and produce, along with pantry items like oatmeal, rice, soups and canned tuna. The stability and security Donna and Jim have with regular access to healthy, nutritious food means they can focus on their health.

"This is where I am now. This is not where I want to be," says Donna. "But I can work towards where I want to be, thanks to you."

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