A Love Story – Craig, Colorado
Marlena does her best to provide for her 10-year-old son Riley, despite her physical disability. But when she lacked resources to purchase the clothes that growing Riley needed for the upcoming school year, she contacted Love INC of the Yampa Valley in Craig, Colorado.
Love INC, through the support of one of its partner churches, was in the midst of its annual Clothes-for-Kids drive. Patricia Jones, Love INC executive director, explained how the program works. "Love INC provides church members with the first names of children in need, their grade in school, and their clothing sizes. Church members first pray for the children by name, then shop to purchase new clothing for them. The clothes are nicely packaged with a note attached and delivered to each child's home by church volunteers."
Not long after Riley had received his new clothes, along with some school supplies, Love INC received a hand-written note. "Dear Love INK," the note began, "I got a perfect 700 in the CSAP test and was in the newspaper. Here is my article. Thank you for the school supplies and clothes. They've helped me a lot. Sincerely, Riley."
In the newspaper article, Riley said of his perfect score, "I was expecting to get a proficient score . . . I didn't expect to get every one right." What's even more amazing is that Riley had missed a significant amount of school the year before due to rheumatic fever. His mom is very proud of him, and so appreciative of the help she received to provide for his basic needs. Riley has a bright future. "I have a few ideas," he said. "I wanna maybe be a rocket scientist-specifically a planet searcher scientist."