Nine-year-old Elliott Graham is a bright, kind student who loves pun-filled jokes and math class. Like most kids his age, he is curious about the world and his place in it. His mother, Rita Kais Graham, had a passion for community, and as Elliott grew, it became apparent that he shared this passion. Elliott’s introduction to volunteerism happened at Kids’ Food Basket. He and his Boy Scouts troupe made sandwiches for KFB Sack Suppers about KFB’s mission. Later, Elliott’s third grade class at East Grand Rapids Lakeside Elementary School participated in Penny Wars to benefit KFB. Elliott explained, “They were saying my class won, but in the end, who really won? Kids’ Food Basket.” Long after the experience was over, Elliott still thought about what it had taught him, sharing that “everybody needs food. I wanted another way to help.”
And help, he did. Rita was looking to get rid of some items, and decided on a “buy nothing” yard sale, in which everything would be free, but visitors could give money to a suggested organization. She asked Elliott what organization they should support. His face lit up as he shouted, “Kids’ Food Basket!” Rita advertised the sale on social media and got to work.
The yard sale was a bustling success! The Graham family front lawn stayed busy the entire afternoon as Elliott took donations for KFB while helping his neighbors pick out toys and games. His two younger sisters, six-year-olds Sylvia and Dahlia, also contributed items for the sale as their first introduction to volunteerism. Many visited the yard to shop, even if they did not know about its unique mission, and were thankful that the sale was supporting food equity. “I had a big posterboard I had written on [about KFB], and people would see it,” said Rita, “Everyone really liked the idea. So, they stopped by and they gave cash, sometimes even if they didn’t take anything.”
Community members of all ages were happy to not only support their neighbor’s yard sale, but to also help nourish kids to reach their full potential. “There was a little girl with her change purse, and she gave Elliott money for some toys that she wanted. Even one of his sister’s Kindergarten teachers came!” By the end of the day, most everything was off the lawn, and over $400 had been raised.
Since that extraordinary day, the Graham family and their neighbors have been inspired to see what they can do next, sharing that “It was super easy, and people were excited. People want to help out, especially knowing what Kids’ Food Basket is. It impacts everybody.” The small community decided to continue with their work, planning a larger event in which schoolmates in the neighborhood could get together to make a difference.
From the very bottom of our very touched hearts, we thank Rita, Elliott, Sylvia and Dahlia for being amazing KFB advocates and proving, as Rita says, that with enough determination, “You can make a difference, even in little ways.”
Our KFB team is inspired by each and every story we hear about amazing community advocates – just like the Graham family. Share the little ways you’re making a big difference by using #KFBcommYOUnity when you get involved with KFB.
