A chance encounter at Kroger’s has lead to an incredible teen getting the opportunity to learn a new craft and start a new chapter in his life.
A Memphis-based 16-year-old boy named Chauncy Jones Black asked Matt White if he could help the man carry his groceries to his car in exchange for some donuts. White was immediately intrigued about the boy.
“He just looked like a good kid that was hungry. He looked like he had been turned down a bunch of times,” White later told WMC Action News.
Knowing that Black needed more than just donuts, White bought more than just donuts- he bought an entire cart of groceries for the hungry child. He also learned that Black’s past- the boy was a straight A student who lived in a family facing major financial issues. He also learned that the boy’s major dreams included owning a landscaping business and helping his family and his community by being a small business owner.
Upon hearing his story, Matt White decided to start a GoFundMe to help him get a lawnmower. However, the story caught on and people began donating money like wildfire, and the page raised over $340,000 dollars for Black and the rest of the family.
“It just caught fire, people went crazy, everyone loves Chauncy,” White explained further.
The money has been placed into a trust, and with careful financial planning, the money will be used to help provide for a new home for his entire family, as well as some money saved for the teen’s future education.
Chauncey has also had the opportunity to start a new job at a local lawnmower service business called Hamilton’s Lawn Care to learn the intricacies of the landscaping world so he can one day start his own.
The business further wrote on their Facebook Page that they were amazed at Chauncey’s incredible work ethic, noting that-
“At 15-years old most guys have limited and little experience in the lawn care and even less in landscaping. Which is true with Chauncy – he has to be taught as do all kids,” Hamilton’s Lawn Care wrote on Facebook. “But, the young man found something to do even when he wasn’t sure what to do. In other words, he didn’t stand around just waiting to be told what to do next- he would pick up a broom or put equipment back on the trailer. He kept himself busy.”
Sometimes a chance encounter is all it takes for life to completely change. While no one can help change Chauncey’s difficult past, he’s definitely making a bright future for himself. We can’t wait to see what he does next.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
