When Offering to Carry Groceries, Teen’s Life Completely Changes

Matt White was just like other men. He had to handle the grocery shopping as everyone else did. However, he was getting his weekly essentials one night when he met a boy that ended up changing his life completely.

Though it seems hard to believe that a regular night of buying groceries may do that, it’s exactly what happened. Both parties had their lives irrevocably changed forever. A simple offer from the boy was made to Matt as he walked out of the store. It ended up making things turn upside down for them. How did it happen, and what was it?

Meet Matt

When the incident occurred, Matt was 30 years old. He saw a young man outside a Memphis, Tennessee grocery store. Matt was a graduate and had earned a degree in Music Business. He tended to visit Kroger, a popular grocery chain store.

The Encounter

Matt finished buying his groceries and exited the Kroger store. Then, he saw a teenaged boy walking toward him. This boy was alone and looked very ashamed and sad. That’s why Matt wondered if he needed directions.

The Boy

All of the theories Matt thought the boy wanted went out of the window when he actually opened his mouth and spoke. The magic really started then, and it put things in action for the lives of each man to change.

Meet Chauncy

Chauncy Jones Black was the boy who approached Matt. At the time, he was just 16 years old and had been on a bus to get to Kroger. Some people called it the “rich man’s store.”

What He Was Doing

Chauncy made it to Kroger and was hoping that someone might let him work for food. He didn’t want people’s spare change. Therefore, he asked Matt for sympathy because he had to be home in an hour and needed bus fare.

Any Job

It was clear that Chauncy was underweight, and he also appeared hungry, broken, and ashamed. Chauncy also told Matt that he could do anything to get something to eat. That’s why he offered to carry the groceries Matt just bought in exchange for a donut box.

Matt’s Response

Matt later told others that his heart screamed to help out Chauncy. However, he remained cooled and said he was going inside to get the donuts. The boy was way too thin, and Matt felt sorry for him.

The Start of Something Amazing

Matt felt sorry for the boy and wondered how he had gotten to that point and what he had been through. It came out that Chauncy lived at home with his mother, but they had little money. All he had was his bus pass and the clothes on his back.

In Kroger

The man went inside the store and moved down the aisles. As he did, he asked Chauncy about things to find out more. After getting the donuts, Chauncy didn’t realize that a huge surprise was on its way.

Above and Beyond

Matt bought Chauncy some donuts, but he knew it wasn’t enough. When Chauncy asked for help, Matt realized that sugary treats weren’t enough. Plus, this boy offered to work for his food instead of begging.

The Shopping Spree

After getting the donuts, the strangers walked around a bit more. Matt ended up leading the boy down different aisles, loading a cart with household staples. The shopping cart ended up with toothbrushes, cereal, toothpaste, snacks, pasta, milk, and other essentials.

Unbelievable

Chauncy was shocked when he watched Matt doing that. He couldn’t express his gratitude. Overall, Matt was helping this boy out when he needed it, and he acted like it wasn’t a big deal!

More on Chauncy

As the strangers continued shopping, Matt asked about Chauncy’s personal life. He wondered where the mother was and how the boy did in school. After spending time with him, Matt realized this boy was special!

What He Planned

Chauncy told Matt that he got straight A’s at school and worked hard because his mom said education was important. He also said that he was trying to find a job so that he could help with rent and other bills.

Chauncy’s Identity

Throughout the encounter, Chauncy called himself poor. Matt realized that Chauncy didn’t have much money, and “being poor” was just part of his identity. Despite all that, he wanted to change his circumstances for the better!

His Goals

Chauncy told Matt that his goal was to be a rich entrepreneur. After he made a fortune, he wanted to give back to his neighborhood. Overall, he wanted to do what Matt was currently doing by buying food for those in need.

Time to Go

The boy thanked Matt for getting the groceries, and the two started to leave Kroger. However, the thanks he gave wasn’t the real reflection of his gratitude. Chauncy went to the bus and believed he might never see Matt again.

Catching the Bus

Chauncy realized that he had to get home soon, or his mom might worry. Matt knew he couldn’t let Chauncy be on the bus trying to hold all the groceries. Therefore, he offered him a ride.

Chauncy’s Living Conditions

The decision to give the boy a ride home left Matt humbled. After arriving, he realized that Chauncy didn’t exaggerate when he said they didn’t have food at home. What could Matt have seen?

Chauncy’s Home

After getting to Chauncy’s home, Matt saw that the two only had a couple of lamps and nothing in the fridge. However, something else in the house left Matt very disturbed. What could it be?

Meeting Mom

While in the house, Matt met Chauncy’s mom. Matt’s impression of Barbara Black was that she was kind and gracious. He knew that the woman was genuinely happy for what Matt did for them.

About Barbara

After learning about Barbara, Matt realized that she had a medical condition where she shook all the time. It had gotten so bad that she could barely get around by herself. That’s when he knew he could do more to help them.

The Plan

Before Matt did anything else, he had to help them unpack the groceries. He realized that Chauncy was happy he was home and had all this food. That also made Matt happy.

Matt’s Contribution

The boy looked much more upbeat than he did initially. This family now had a full fridge because of Matt’s graciousness. After unpacking everything, Matt said goodbye to the family, but that wasn’t the only time they met.

Not Enough

Matt knew those groceries weren’t enough and wanted to make a bigger contribution. Once he left the house, he couldn’t get Chauncy and Barbara out of his mind. After everything he learned, he was upset for them.

The Disturbing Truth

Barbara couldn’t work because of her condition. The only money they had coming in was from her disability checks. That’s why Chauncy didn’t have nice clothes, and those groceries might only last a week!

What Matt Wanted

After realizing the conditions surrounding the family’s situation, Matt decided to make a lasting and real difference in their lives. What did he plan, and how might he achieve that goal? Continue reading to learn more!

Needing Help

Matt realized that he led a comfortable life. He had his own place and could buy groceries whenever he wanted. However, he didn’t have the money to make a lasting impact on the boy’s life. Therefore, he had to recruit others to help!

What He Did

Matt wanted to share his encounter with the Blacks on social media. He went to Facebook and shared the story. He hoped that if he did that, he might inspire others as Chauncy inspired him.

The Start of the Plan

Matt’s post online gained noticeable attention. From there, he hoped people might offer tangible donations for Barbara and Chauncy. In addition to the post, he created a GoFundMe account and added it to Facebook. How did the others react?

GoFundMe

His GoFundMe page featured information about the family’s life. It also offered Chauncy’s shoe size and clothing size. There was a video interview, as well. Overall, people were inspired by the young man, and the contributions rolled in.

What about the Money

The GoFundMe page generated tons of traffic. The donations were collected, and Chauncy was excited and grateful for what Matt did for him. They started to plan what might happen next.

Matt’s Idea

Matt wanted to get enough money for a lawnmower. That way, Chauncy could earn money cutting lawns in the summer. That also might ensure he had enough when he started 10th-grade next fall.

Growing

The money continued rolling in, and Matt’s Facebook page got more traffic. Then, the story went viral, and the GoFundMe page exceeded everyone’s expectations. Strangers were giving Chauncy and Barbara food, jobs, clothing, and dental care!

Don’t Stop Now

Matt soon realized that they didn’t have to buy a lawnmower. With the donations they received, they could prepare for Chauncy’s college education or get a new home for this family.

The Outcome

You know that the Facebook post went viral, but how much money did the family receive. From the GoFundMe account, they got $340,000. This was the life-changing amount the mom-son duo needed.

What Barbara Said

Barbara was happy about the money and realized that the living conditions weren’t good. However, she had done her best. Chauncy wanted to help his mom, and Barbara just couldn’t have been more grateful for it all.

Creating a Movement

Without realizing it, Matt created a movement called Chauncy’s Chance. Major news and network outlets heard about what Matt did, and everyone recognized Chauncy when he was out and about. They both got asked for interviews!

What Chauncy Said

Chauncy loved all the attention he got and told People magazine that Matt had changed his life completely. Now, he couldn’t go anywhere without being recognized, and he claimed it was awesome. Overall, he was grateful for everything.

Fame Not Always Good

The fame had some negatives, though. Chauncy and his mom had to be careful. Their family and friends knew about the money and asked for help. While they gave to them, they didn’t want to get taken advantage of. Overall, they were still happy for the life-changing opportunity they got!