Linda Fitzgerald has spent her life taking care of others. As a teenager, Linda babysat neighbors in the Meadowbrook neighborhood. She married and had three sons. She served as a school cafeteria worker for a quarter-century. Being on the receiving end of care isn’t customary for Linda.
But as inflation climbed, Linda said “things got tough.” Like many people on fixed incomes, Linda struggled to keep up with the rising cost of living. Linda’s sons have looked out for her since their father’s death, but she didn’t want to burden them.  
“I don’t tell them everything,” Linda admitted. 
A neighbor who volunteers at 4Saints suggested that Linda visit the pantry herself. Initially, she demurred.
“I felt guilty,” said Linda. “I felt if I did it, I might have denied someone else.”
Linda finally relented and visited 4Saints for the first time earlier this year. Monthly visits to the pantry make finances more manageable for Linda and carry an added benefit.
“It gets me out of the house,” Linda said. “I’ve met three people just sitting here now. It makes me feel good. Y’all make me feel good.”