At 20 Matters, we envision a world where every individual has access to basic necessities and the opportunity to live a fulfilling life. We strive to create a community where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential.
Our values are at the core of everything we do. We believe in compassion, empathy, and the power of community. We are committed to treating every individual we serve with dignity and respect, and to working together to create a better world.
We provide short-term assistance for immediate needs on a crisis and referral basis. We are constantly working to expand our offerings and ensure that we are meeting the changing needs of our community.
I stood in the grocery line that Friday afternoon patiently waiting my turn. A tired-looking mom and dad, their eyes reflecting the weight of life's challenges, were carefully placing groceries onto the conveyor belt. The atmosphere was heavy with their unspoken struggle.
As the cashier scanned each item, I noticed the parent's hesitation as they calculated the dwindling funds in their wallet. With two items remaining, they stopped her scanning, and offered to return the unscanned items to the shelves. "I'll take care of it," she said kindly.
I discreetly slipped a $20 bill into the cashier's hand and whispered, "Please use this for their groceries." The cashier nodded, understanding the unspoken gesture. "Let's see, I think we have enough!"
When the parents realized what had happened, their expressions transformed from weariness to disbelief. Mom's eyes welled up with tears, and Dad struggled to find the words. In that grocery store, surrounded by the hum of daily life, a profound connection blossomed. I realized 20 Matters.
When is $20 more than $20? When It symbolizes kindness, empathy, and understanding.
In that moment, the grocery line transformed into a bridge of shared humanity, a reminder that compassion knows no boundaries. The tears glistening in our eyes were not just tears of relief, but also tears of hope — a reminder that even in life's toughest moments, even the smallest gift has the power to light the way.
I purchased my groceries and walked to the parking lot where I encountered the same couple and their two children. "Thank you , again," Dad said. "No worries," I replied, then I asked the kids about their favorite part of school. "Soccer!" one quickly shouted. "I like Math," the other shyly chimed in.
For 20 minutes we talked about everything from school to who would win the local football game this weekend to the horrible traffic on Hwy 690 and how the recent addition of a stop sign had only made matters worse. That bit of information led to our learning that we both commute two hours daily to and from work.
"I need to get home and cook dinner," I said, "but this has been great. Good to meet you." Mom and the kids climbed in the car, Dad shook my hand. "Thank you." he said. "Really, $20 was nothing," I replied. "Today it wasn't nothing, it was a lifesaver. But I wasn't talking only about the money. Thank you for the conversation. No one has time to talk to their neighbor any more it seems. Thank you ."
20 Matters.
$20 or 20 minutes.
20 Matters.
I began to think of all the good 20 dollars, 20 minutes, 20 hands, or 20 days could accomplish. One prescription. Gas until payday. Coffee with a teenager. Flowers for a nursing home. School supplies for an elementary teacher.
20 books for a library. 20 greeting cards mailed. 20 hands volunteering for a community project or at a soup kitchen. 20 pairs of socks for the winter.
20 Matters was born, to make giving accessible to nearly every person. How will you make 20 Matter today?
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