08/02/2026
❤️ Sometimes God Places Someone in Your Path for a Reason
Today, while shopping for my granddaughter’s back-to-school clothes at Marshalls on Rivers Avenue in Charleston, South Carolina, I was approached by a young boy—probably around 10 or 12 years old.
He politely asked if I would buy some of his candy.
I smiled and told him, “Let me finish my shopping, and I’ll stop back by to see you on my way out.”
After I finished shopping, I did exactly what I promised. I went back to find him, and he was still there.
I asked him, “What are you raising money for?”
He quietly replied that he was trying to earn enough money to buy shoes for school.
My heart was immediately touched.
I told him, “Come on. Let’s go back inside and pick out some shoes.”
But as we walked into the store, he looked up at me and said something I don’t think I’ll ever forget.
“Ma’am… instead of shoes, can I just get clothes? That’s more important.”
Then he did something else that spoke volumes about the kind of young man he is.
He walked straight to the clearance section.
He wasn’t looking for the most expensive name brands or trying to take advantage of my kindness. He was looking for the best value so he could make the most of what he was given.
I smiled and said, “Great choice! You get more here. This is exactly how I shop.”
Needless to say, he left the store with both clothes and shoes.
Before sharing this story, I spoke with his mother. She was aware that he had been selling candy to earn money, and she graciously permitted me to share this experience while protecting her son’s privacy. Out of respect for their family, I have chosen not to show his face or use his name.
This young man reminded me that integrity, humility, wisdom, gratitude, and determination still exist in our younger generation.
As I drove away, I couldn’t help but think about how many children and families are carrying burdens we know nothing about. Sometimes all it takes is one person willing to stop, listen, and care. Today, God allowed me to be that person. Tomorrow, it may be someone else.
At Project Street Outreach PSO Inc., we witness stories every day that remind us compassion changes lives. While our primary mission is serving homeless veterans, active-duty service members, veterans, and military families in crisis, our calling has always been to help people with dignity whenever God places them in our path.
If this story touched your heart, I invite you to partner with us.
🇺🇸 Sponsor a homeless veteran.
❤️ Sponsor an active-duty service member, veteran, or military family facing hardship.
🥫 Help us provide food, clothing, hygiene items, emergency assistance, and hope to those who have sacrificed so much for our nation.
Simply scan the QR code on our Project Street Outreach PSO Inc. logo to make a secure donation. If you would like your gift designated for a specific program or purpose, simply include that information with your donation.
Together, we can continue being the hands and feet of Christ—one act of kindness, one family, and one life at a time.
Thank you for believing that compassion still changes lives.
“Boots on the Ground… Leaving No Veteran Behind.”
With gratitude,
J. Denise Cromwell�Founder & CEO�Project Street Outreach PSO Inc.
www.psoinc.org
