Homeless Man Finds $17,000 in Bag Outside Food Bank, Praised for Turning It All Back In
Food banks are important staples in our communities. They provide food for those who need it, and they largely depend on donations to stay up and running.
One food bank in Sumner, Washington, received some help in a big way. When a donation made its way to Sumner Community Food Bank’s doorstep, it was only a matter of time before someone found it.
That someone happened to be a homeless man in need. When Kevin Booth, who was a frequent visitor to the food bank, found a bag outside the door, he peeked inside.
It was early and the establishment hadn’t opened yet. “At first, I was like, what the heck is that lying on the ground?” the 32-year-old told The News Tribune.
The brown paper bag looked ordinary, but you can’t judge a bag by its color — what waited inside was astonishing.
Booth pulled out a $20 bill and checked to see if it was real. Rather than take the money and run, he gave the bag to a food bank volunteer.
When the volunteer gave it to the director, Anita Miller, she couldn’t believe it. There was much more than just $20 inside the bag.
There was $17,000 in cash to be exact. The police tried to discover who had left the money and the cash was held for three months.
But no one claimed it, so the money went right back to the food bank. “I’ve never touched that much money and I don’t think I ever will again,” Booth told The News Tribune.
The food bank plans to use the anonymous donation to help expand the building and feed even more people in need.
As for Mr. Booth, his honesty has been praised by the Sumner Police Department and Community Food Bank.
“It was a big decision for him because he could use it, but you do not take from somebody else,” Miller told KCPQ. “It would be stealing, and he doesn’t steal.”
Sumner Police Department awarded Booth with a citizen certificate and Fred Meyer gift cards. “We couldn’t be more proud of Mr. Kevin Booth for his honesty and integrity!” the department wrote on Facebook.
“Our Food Bank already does amazing things in our Community, and with this donation they will now be able to do so much more! Thank you, Kevin, you’re our Hero!”
Way to go, Kevin! Your integrity is truly inspiring. You have set a good example for so many. If you’d like to help people like Kevin get good nutritious meals, contact your local food bank to find out how you can make a difference.
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