NORMAL, Ala. -- (CBS) Justin Franks is only a college student but has a lot to teach us about compassion and service.
Franks keeps busy as a full-time student at Alabama A&M University, desk assistant at the Foster Complex on campus and fast food restaurant manager.
Even with all of that on his plate, he's managed to find time to do something else - something that recognizes and responds to the needs of others.
On $40 and faith, he started a food pantry.
"I started with pretty much just noodles and Capri Suns and I had a few household products like tissue and water," says Franks.
Then he posted about it on Facebook, which got over 600 shares.
Donations came pouring in from faculty, alumni, and different community groups.
The pantry is packed with items like soup, granola bars, chips, cereal, and oatmeal as well as personal hygiene items and toiletries.
But for Franks, it's more than just things in an old mail room.
It's selflessness and compassion in action.
"To me, it just makes me feel like I'm blessing someone," explains Franks. "I'm a religious person and I feel like I can bless a student. Some nights, students will be like 'Man, I really appreciate this because I didn't have anything to eat.'"
Franks has helped nearly 100 students so far, who are able to get up to three items twice a week.
He's already training someone else to make sure the pantry can continue long after he's graduated.
(Clarissa McClain, WHNT)
Copyright CBS
Related Posts :
SUNY Adirondack opening food pantry for students in need - North Country Public Radio- Food pantry shelves 'dangerously low,' Feeding SD seeks donations - Sioux Falls Argus Leader
- Robertson County Care Inc. to host open house for new food pantry - Bryan-College Station Eagle
- Local food pantry in dire need of commercial refrigerator - Olean Times Herald
- Oxford food pantry hopes to expand, renew lease - Daily Mississippian