MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Sixteen-year-old Chauncy Black was walking the grocery store aisles a few weeks ago, hungry and just hoping someone would let him load their groceries in exchange for a quick bite to eat, a box of doughnuts.
“At the Kroger I had wanted some doughnuts,” said Chauncy.
Chauncey’s story is now on Facebook, posted by a good Samaritan, Matt White, who not only bought him something to eat but also gave him a ride home.
White wrote, “I was truly humbled. He and his mom had nothing. They didn’t even have beds or furniture. They were sleeping on pads made out of sleeping bags, they had two lamps and nothing in their fridge.”
White started a fundraising page after Chauncy told him he wanted to get a lawnmower so he could work and help take care of his mom.
“I like to cut grass, wash cars and I do a little cleaning up around too,” said Chauncy.
“I am gonna reach out to everybody and we are gonna see what stuff we can come up with . Maybe somebody has a lawnmower they are not using or something like that. Would that be able to help you?” asked White.
“Yes. A lot,” said Chanucy.
The Facebook post went viral, and the hope to raise a few hundreds dollars now has brought in close to $300,000.
The story was even picked up by the Ellen Show and featured on several national newscasts, but as the money has poured in, so have the problems.
People started calling Chauncy and his mother asking for money, money they don’t even have yet. White has moved the family into a hotel to get away from harassing calls.
“We don’t have any access to any money. All that money is gonna be put in a trust fund and lawyers and everything behind it. We don’t have any money,” said Chauncy’s mother, Barbara Black.
They are making plans and talking with an attorney to make sure the money is used properly to give Chauncy and his mother a new start.
“Thank y’all for the support. God Bless you. We don’t wish you no harm. Take it easy now,” said the Blacks.
The donations continue to come in. At last check the GoFundMe account had reached $291,000.