Child who went to birthday parties just to eat a meal recalls an act of kindness that stayed with them

Monetary struggles in childhood can often shape how a person views the world. Simple things like school lunches, playdates, or after-school activities become challenges when there is not enough to go around. One person experienced this growing up and shared a moment that left a lasting impact on them. u/Bad-Umpire10 shared that they had experienced a poor childhood. Growing up, their mother would send them to birthday parties without a present, just so they could have a meal. As they got older, they became more aware of the situation, and the embarrassment of showing up empty-handed became more apparent.

They remembered one such birthday party in fifth grade. A friend’s mom had invited them for a sleepover before a birthday party. While their friend was in the shower, something unexpected happened. They wrote, "The mom laid out the toys that she had bought her daughter for her birthday. She let me pick one to wrap and put my name on." It was a small act, but to a child who had experienced financial hardship, it meant everything. Now, at 37 years old, the memory has never left them. They wrote, "I am still grateful to that mom. That one act made such an impact on me." The story touched many people, leading them to share their own experiences and thoughts on kindness.

u/xcipher007 wrote, "Both moms are awesome. The older I get, the more I appreciate my parents. I love them and thank them for everything." u/PopUpClicker suggested, "If someone did something like this for you—don’t care if you are the original poster of the story or not—reach out and tell them. 30 years later is not too late if they are still alive." u/1puffins noted, "I do no-gift parties for my child. People can give gifts privately on another occasion if they want but don’t come to the party with one. I grew up poor, and I never want another child not to attend the party because they can’t bring a gift. Kids care more that their friends attend than the gifts anyway."

u/Tokeee3 pointed out, "It still baffles me that there are enough resources in this world so that no kid has to be impoverished or go hungry, but the world is just like nah." Some shared their own similar experiences. u/slimstitch shared, "When I was in my late teens, my card declined on a half-dollar yogurt cup, and I didn't have more than about a couple of cents in change. The cashier paid for it with his own money. I'm pretty sure if he hadn't done that, I would not be here today, as it was at the peak of my depression. His kindness saved my life, I think."

u/amicingtotravel said, "I remember when I was a kid and forgot to bring my lunch. I casually told a high schooler when she asked what I brought for lunch. Then, before we parted ways, she gave me money to buy lunch. I was in first grade. I haven't forgotten. Nowadays, I'm always giving neighbors, family, and even strangers food. It makes me happy." u/a_spoopy_ghost added, "When I was a kid, my mom was in the hospital and I was scared, locked up, and crying. This lady took me to the cafeteria and talked with me. It meant everything at the time. I’d give everything to tell her what a difference she made, but I have no idea who she was."

A lot of kids rely on school meals, but recent cuts have made it difficult for schools, children, and parents alike. In early 2025, USDA announced $1 billion in funding cuts—including $660 million in the Local Food for Schools program—leading to reduced fresh produce availability in many districts, reported The Washington Post. "It's a pretty big hit, and that's mostly fresh fruits and vegetables," said Patti Bilbrey, director of nutrition services at the Scottsdale Unified School District in Arizona, reported CBS News. "It wasn't just about keeping food costs low — it meant supporting your community and your local farmers in your state." 

This article originally appeared 3 months ago.