"I have so much to tell you!"

Roy* had his back turned to the door when Milton walked into the office: “Mr. Roy, is that you?!”  

A week earlier Roy had shown up at a different middle school, the one Milton was supposed to attend this year, but at the last minute his family had moved across town. We did some investigating, communicated with the staff at Milton’s new school, and arranged a visit. So, now Roy was standing at the counter in the office, signing in and attaching a visitor’s badge to his shirt.  

“Mr. Roy, is that you?!” Milton exclaimed. 

“Hey, bud!” Roy responded with a smile and moved to give Milton a big hug. 

Milton returned the affection and then, as they backed out of the embrace, raised his hands to his forehead and said, “I have so much to tell you!”  

Scenes just like this are happening in schools across the city as more than eighty volunteer mentors are reunited with their lunch buddies after a long summer break.  

We thank God for each of our Lunch Buddies volunteers. Every smile, every hug, every “I have so much to tell you” is made possible by their generous service. They help kids believe that someone will keep showing up for them, and that kind of hope is priceless! 

PS - Next week is National School Lunch Week. A big shout out to the food service staff in the schools where we serve. They provide the menu so that our mentors can create moments that matter: Amber, Pam, Chris, others, we see you!  

*Names and details changed to protect the privacy.