A Lifelong Commitment to Community
At 96 years old, Bill Brown has witnessed the evolution of the world from the Great Depression to the digital age. Yet, it was his early experiences during the economic downturn that shaped his deep sense of responsibility toward others. “People came to help me and my mother and father during the depression, and I always felt I had a debt to pay,” he recalls. This belief has guided him for over three decades, as he has dedicated his life to helping those in need through the nonprofit organization he founded, the Children’s Table.
The Growth of a Food Bank
The Children’s Table, based in North Central Florida, has become a vital resource for thousands of families. What started as a small community initiative has grown into a network that spans around 10 counties, many of which are considered food deserts. These areas often lack access to fresh, healthy food, making the organization’s mission even more critical.
Every week, approximately 200 cars line up at the headquarters in Bronson, FL, to receive groceries. The food bank operates on a suggested $10 donation, which provides families with about $100 to $150 worth of food. However, no one is ever turned away if they cannot afford the contribution. “I’m going to fill your car with just as much food if you’re able to give me a $10 donation or if you don’t have it,” says Stacey Kile, the operations manager.
Expanding Reach Through Innovation
Beyond weekly distributions, the Children’s Table has developed innovative ways to reach people in remote areas. One key initiative is a bus delivery route that brings groceries directly to rural communities. In some cases, volunteers even make emergency house calls when families face urgent food shortages.
Cheryl Twombly, from the Florida Department of Children and Families, highlights the importance of this work. “When the Children’s Table began, they filled a niche that didn’t exist out here to serve families in these communities,” she explains. “There was no place where people could go to get emergency food.”
From Garden to Movement
The origins of the Children’s Table can be traced back to a simple garden. When Bill and his wife, Verna, lived in Bronson, they used their home garden to provide extra produce to neighbors in need. Over time, this act of kindness grew into something larger. “I didn’t plan on starting the Children’s Table, it just reached the point that we were serving so many people that I thought it had to have an identity and a name,” Brown says.
A Legacy of Service
Despite nearing 100 years of age, Brown shows no signs of slowing down. He believes the future of the Children’s Table is secure, thanks to the support of the community. While there is a small staff, the organization relies heavily on volunteers who often begin their journey by receiving help themselves.
Deborah Gooden, a volunteer for four years, shares how the organization helped her family when they moved to the area. “Mr. Bill, he’s a ray of sunshine in the darkness,” she says. She now brings her children along to help, teaching them the value of community service.
The Power of Neighborly Help
Brown emphasizes that helping others is a contagious act. “Helping is contagious,” he says. “I’m privileged when I can help someone.” His story is a testament to the impact one individual can have when driven by compassion and a deep commitment to their community.
