Fighting To End Hunger: Loving Mother And Grandmother Turns To Salvation Army Food Pantry

By: Becky Kreienkamp, Midland Division

Cheryl Piolet says The Salvation Army performs everything to the extreme. She is referring to the food and money that was willingly given to her family.

Cheryl is a loving matriarch of six daughters and three granddaughters. Cheryl loves to boast about her daughters, claiming her 17-year-old has striking beauty, obtains a 4.0 grade point average, runs track, and is a gifted singer and dancer who will no doubt advance with flying colors to college. Her second youngest daughter can draw like you wouldn't believe and the youngest is a talented dancer. Cheryl is also proud of her three eldest daughters who have been successful with families of their own.

About five or six years ago Cheryl fell under tough times, so she turned to The Salvation Army for assistance. She and her three youngest daughters were provided with food and help paying utility bills. Cheryl still visits The Stratford Commons Salvation Army from time to time for food. If she ever needs extra help paying the bills, The Salvation Army never turns Cheryl down.

Cheryl was especially touched by Audrey McKinney at The Stratford Commons.

“She makes everything so much better,” says Cheryl of Audrey, “She is probably one of the nicest people I have ever met.”

Audrey McKinney and her children enjoy spending time serving others at The Salvation Army's Stratford Commons food pantry.

Audrey not only obtained food for Cheryl’s family, but she offered reassurance when Cheryl seemed lost.

“She’s really encouraged me over the years,” Cheryl continued to say of Audrey’s honor, “She’s just an angel. She makes sure you have what you need in terms of food.”

Audrey’s support has prepared Cheryl for a better life. Cheryl is now searching for jobs in order to take care of the three daughters and three granddaughters who live with her.

She sought out a home health care agency, which will soon be giving her some work. For this job, Cheryl will be performing simple tasks, but much needed tasks for handicapped individuals who need the extra assistance. Cheryl described the work as light cleaning, doing the dishes, driving people to doctor appointments, picking up medications, etc. Cheryl admits this work is nothing extraordinary, but she’s not looking for a high-end job as long as she can provide for her family.

“I’m not a 120 pound, 46 year-old diva,” Cheryl says with a hint of light-hearted sass, “I’m a grandma. I’m not trying to be a corporate manager or anything.”

She is only seeking a job that will keep her family happy and safe, and it’s an added bonus that her work helps those in need. It’s simple work, but this down-to-earth grandma finds it rewarding.

Join The Salvation Army’s “Turn Up The Heat On Hunger” campaign and fight to#ENDHUNGER in St. Louis.

Stop by participating Walmart locations and make a food donation July 13, 14 and 15. Food bins will be available at each entrance or make a donation online.