Once at the house, a boy, 8, opened the door. It didn’t look like he was in any sort of trouble. What’s most, although a rather bare, the house was neat and clean. He was there with his little sister.
The boy introduced himself as Mateo and the reason why he called 911 was because he and his siter were hungry. They were all by themselves, with no adult in sight.
After she questioned them, the officer learned that the children’s mom worked two jobs, obviously struggling to make ends meet.
Mateo said that he took care of his sister, Sophia, while their mom was working. They usually had a thing or two in the fridge, but this time, there was only a jug of milk and some ketchup packets.
The officer called back-up, explaining what was going on, and in no time, services arrived at the house, with a paramedic named Rosa bringing sandwiches for the kids.
Before alerting the social services, the officer tracked down the children’s mom who was working at Joe’s Diner.
She was told the kids were fine but were starving.
The poor woman was upset. It was obvious she was a caring mother who was forced to work long hours in order to provide for her family.
In the days to come, both the officer and Rosa thought about Mateo and Sophia.
One day, Rosa visited the officer and told her she had come up with an idea, to start a project involving officers, paramedics, and members of the community who would step up for families in need. The project, Midnight Meals, turned out to be a huge success.
Every Friday night, volunteers delivered food and toiletries to vulnerable members of the community.
The response was overwhelming. Teachers donated books and school supplies, grocery stores contributed with canned food, and teenagers offered their precious time.
One night, Rosa and the police officer decided to deliver the goods themselves. They went to Mateo and Sophia’s place, but this time it looked different. There was more furniture, more food, and even decorations.
Mateo immediately recognized the two women while his mother thanked them for everything they have done for her family.
Rosa had a brand new rucksack filled with a bunch of school supplies for Mateo, who was over the moon by the gift.
Realizing how strong the impact of their small act of kindness has been, the two women reflected on why they chose their professions.