A chance encounter in a Kroger grocery store led to a life-changing moment for Chauncey Jones Black. The 16-year-old, straight-A student walked up to Matt White and asked to load his groceries in exchange for a pack of donuts. White agreed, and as he began talking to Black, he learned about the hardships he was facing.

Black rode the bus across town to the more affluent Kroger grocery store in the hope that someone would buy him a meal that he and his mother could share. White later explained in a Facebook post that “He [Black] had no phone, a bus pass, and he was depending on the graces of a stranger to feed him within the hour before the bus left.” So White took it upon himself to help Chauncey and his family by going on a bit of a shopping spree by purchasing a number of groceries that would ensure his family would not have to starve another night.

Despite the struggles that Black was facing, he talked to White about how determined he was to find a way out of his poor neighborhood. He knew his resilience and spirit of perseverance would one day fulfill his destiny of being a wealthy entrepreneur. Black also talked of one day being able to give back to the poor community he grew up in.

After completing their shopping trip, White brought Chauncey and his groceries home. In doing so, it allowed White to see the harsh reality that Black had talked so much about. Black and his mom had no furniture in their home or food in their fridge.

As the groceries were unloaded, White says he saw hope in Chauncey’s eyes. He hugged him upon leaving, but not before telling him that he would be an incredible man one day. After meeting, White took to social media to write and reflect upon his meeting with Black. He also included a GoFundMe page, which he set up in the hope that funds could be raised to help Black fulfill his dreams of becoming an entrepreneur. Blessings poured in tenfold as the initial goal of raising $250 dollars surpassed that to an amassing $202,244 at the time of this article.

Photo: gofundme — Photo: Matt White/GoFundMe

People around the world have sent messages and donations to help alleviate Chauncey and his mother from their hardships. Aside from the GoFundMe, a YouTube channel, Chauncey’s Chance has been created, following Chauncey and his mother’s journey. In recently uploaded videos, Chauncey and his mother have been able to move into better housing.

As more and more is being done to help this family, one can only imagine how much of an impact this moment will have on the trajectory of Chauncey’s life and the life of his family.

Can’t get enough of Blavity? Sign up for our daily newsletter.

Matt White

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week