Dead Battery Leads To Feeding Warminster Homeless Man

WARMINSTER, PA —It was a hot and humid summer day and Mike Cerino's car battery died.

His 2013 Toyota Highlander had been the primary delivery vehicle for the Warminster Food Bank for most of its serviceable life.

But on this day, the food bank's director said, his vehicle had been reduced to a "4,500-pound paper weight."

Cerino tried to jump the battery several times without any luck. The engine just wouldn't turn over.

But Cerino said a man approached the vehicle. Cerino said he looked "disheveled and worn."

The man who Cerino said "clearly spends all or most of his day outside," asked if he could assist.

Cerino said the battery wasn't taking a jump charge and that maybe it was the starter. He asked for a screwdriver to check something, but before we did that, Cerino readjusted the jumper cables and tried starting again.

This time the engine turned over.

Cerino thanked the man for his kindness and his offer to help.

The man turned to walk away, he said, but turned around and asked him for help.

“I need some help with food,” he said.

“You are asking me for food? Today is your lucky day," Cerino said. “We have all the people and all the food you need, and we are in an extraordinary position to help you now, and for as long as you need help.”

Later that morning, the man was fed at the food bank and is now receiving regular assistance.

"You give us the gifts and the resources to satisfy those truly in need, those poor in resources but generous of heart by which a ripple of kindness turns into a torrent of goodwill," Cerino said in a letter to volunteers.

The food bank serves more than 650 families each month with food donated by individuals and businesses. Donations and volunteers are always welcome.

Click here for more information about the food bank.