“I’ve given so much to help people that can’t help themselves...now I can’t help myself,” Erma, 91, says of her situation. “I can hardly make ends meet.”

Erma worked hard for 65 years before retiring in the 2000s. She should be enjoying her golden years, but with just a small fixed income to depend on, Erma often faces tough choices — like whether to pay bills or buy food.

We met Erma and her dear friend, Dora, as they waited their turn to pick up groceries at Nourishment for the Needy, a Montgomery County Food Bank partner agency. The pair met while thrift shopping two years ago and do their best to help each other out.

You see, both ladies are struggling to get by on Social Security. Dora had a job at a nursing home, but between diabetes, sciatica and other medical problems, she’s no longer able to work.

Good nutrition is vital to both Dora and Erma’s good health and quality of life — and your generosity is helping fill their plates with balanced meals. The pair are truly grateful you choose to give.

“Thank you very much from my heart,” Dora says.

Caring people like you share hope with the people in our community who need it most. You change lives for the better every day.