Philanthropy is defined as the love of people. There are many ways to be philanthropic, whether it is volunteering, serving on a nonprofit board of directors or committee, or giving a financial gift, just to name a few. As we go through life, how we want to “love people,” and how we want to help may change over time. Our philanthropic gestures may happen early in life as a child, or later in life when we might have a larger capacity to give.
This story is about a young philanthropist. Her name is Audrey Carrillo, and she is 7 years old. Her story inspires people of all ages, and is only the beginning of her philanthropic journey in life.
It all started with a birthday party. Audrey’s mom, Dawn, was packing a box full of food items from her kitchen, when Audrey asked what she was doing. Dawn explained that she was attending a friend’s birthday party, and instead of presents, her friend wanted the attendees to bring items for the food pantry at Housing Opportunities in Valparaiso. Excited by this idea, Audrey immediately walked to the refrigerator, and brought her mom some tomatoes and cucumbers to include with the boxed and canned goods.
Touched by her daughter’s giving spirit, Dawn reluctantly told her to put the vegetables back because she wasn’t sure that the food pantry could accept and store fresh produce.
Audrey thought that it was unacceptable that people, especially children, might not get fresh fruits or vegetables because their parents didn’t have the means to provide them. Audrey then had an idea. She decided that her family should expand their existing garden to include extras for those less fortunate. Audrey’s mission was to double the size of their current garden, and donate the excess bounty to Housing Opportunities.
After attending the birthday party, Dawn contacted the CEO of Housing Opportunities, Caroline Shook, to talk about her daughter’s idea of growing extra produce for the food pantry. Coincidentally, Caroline told Dawn that Housing Opportunities is promoting a new initiative, “Grow a Row for HO,” which is an opportunity for people who like to garden, and exactly what Audrey thought to do. Simply grow an extra row of produce, and the bounty can be donated to the food pantry at Housing Opportunities, which currently serves an average of 1,300-1,500 clients per month, and is open to all residents of Porter County.
Together with her younger sister Caroline, mom Dawn, and dad Dana, Audrey planted the garden over the course of several weeks, and is anxious to see it come to life. When asked what gave her the idea to plant more food in her garden, Audrey said “I love eating fruits and vegetables, and it made me sad that some people can’t have them even if they want them. My family and I enjoy working in our garden, so growing more food will be fun and will help other people.” Audrey’s sister Caroline adds, “Fruits and veggies are yummy and good for you, and everybody should get some no matter what.”
Amanda Maynard, Resource Development Director at Housing Opportunities says, “The story of Audrey stepping up to plant a garden for the benefit of our food pantry clients is the perfect example of someone connecting with our organization in a meaningful way. Her story inspires others to help those who are less fortunate. We have a variety of programs, including housing for the homeless, low income rentals, foreclosure prevention & counseling, homebuyer education classes, and many other ways people can be involved in helping our clients. We invite others to Step In, Step Up, Step Forward! just as Audrey has.”
As the weeks go by, and the bounty begins to grow and her now very large garden, Audrey will proudly await the moment that she can deliver the food to the pantry, and know in her heart that she is helping people in her own community have the most basic of necessities. If you would like information about how you can help Housing Opportunities, you may visit their website, www.housing-opportunities.com or call them at 219-548-2800.