Retired Nurse, Pine City, NY
For more than 40 years, Bonnie Nielsen did the one thing she loved most: she helped others. Bonnie worked with children at two hospitals, often caring for the most challenging cases. But then she became ill, and had trouble caring for herself. One day her daughter-in-law looked in Bonnie’s pantry and asked if she had enough food. That’s when Bonnie realized she needed help from her local food pantry. Bonnie accepted food—and a hug—from those who worked there. And even better, she felt the love and caring that she had been paying forward for over 40 years.
“I’m used to helping others,” says Bonnie.
“I’m still getting used to having other people help me.”