A 14-year-old in #NorthCounty, #Missouri, is lifting the burden of school lunch debt from students at a campus close to his heart. DeJuan Strickland knows that sometimes a child’s only meal is the one they receive during school hours, KOMU reported Wednesday. The big-hearted comic book author who created the Tech Boy Initiative is using the program to raise funds for young students who cannot afford to purchase cafeteria food during their time at school. “As you know, the school year is about to begin, and I wanted to go and restart my initiative of offsetting negative lunch balances,” Strickland told social media users in a video posted July 25. “My goal is to raise $500 to offset negative lunch balances in the Hazelwood School District… Let’s get this started,” he said. As a fourth grader at McCurdy Elementary, Strickland felt the pangs of hunger many times during lunch. “I didn’t even know what could possibly be my next meal in the day, and it definitely was a struggle. Seeing all the other kids around me be able to eat their school lunches and I couldn’t, it was really rough,” he commented. Strickland’s GoFundMe page titled “Lets Help Eliminate Negative Lunch Balances” raised a whopping $2,090 of its $200 goal. “I want to take this time to thank each and every one of you who took the time to donate to help eliminate students negative lunch balances,” he wrote in a January update. “This will help many families who are struggling financially. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.” Thanks to his big heart and generous donors, all student lunch debt at McCurdy Elementary has been paid off and a check given to the principal. “You are incredible, inspiring and have such a good heart! You are going places young man, the sky’s the limit. Amazing,” one social media user said of his efforts. “What a Blessing you are, this is what God wants us to do SHARE,” another stated. “It feels good to know those students can eat their lunches without worrying about debt,” noted Strickland, who plans to continue the initiative each year. #binspirednews

A #suit maker in #Addison, #Texas, is using his passion for the craft to serve the nation’s #veterans. Bob Baumann of #EdwardBaumannClothiers created the program known as Suits of Honor for one simple reason, he told Breitbart News during an interview Tuesday. “I’m a strong believer in God. I believe it is more blessed to give than it is to receive… I’m always trying to give back,” he said. The program’s goal is to “put a veteran into a new custom suit, shirt, and tie 26 times a year,” its website reads: "Our team spends time with each veteran, teaching them the importance of appearance. We educate them on how to dress for specific occasions, the proper way a garment is supposed to fit, how to take care of their clothes, and so much more." Baumann’s passion is to create a suit that fits like a glove for the men who visit him and his team, but the whole process is about much more than just clothes. “We change people’s lives and that’s what we do for a living. And when we start dressing a man, it truly does change his life,” he explained, adding he used to drive 18-wheelers before transitioning into the white-collar world. Now, one of his greatest joys is serving those who gave so much for the country they love. “Part of what we do [for the veterans] it’s pretty much a whole day event. It’s not about the clothes. It’s about teaching them how to dress. It’s about teaching them the importance of life,” Baumann told Breitbart News. He also makes sure to impart valuable wisdom to the men, taking time to make sure they know he cares about their future success in the job market or wherever life may lead. “I talk to them about how life is how you see it. If you think you can, you will, if you think you can’t, you won’t. Live up to your expectations. You have to believe in yourself,” he stated. The moment he sees them put on a custom-made suit, “It gives them confidence,” he said, noting that when it comes to American businesses hiring veterans, “they are some of the best employees in the world.” Baumann also encouraged businesses to help veterans get any services they may need to show them support. #binspirednews

Rapper #SnoopDogg and other celebrities are stepping in to help an elderly woman who is in a legal battle to keep her family’s #HiltonHead Island property. The legal battle, which has been dubbed a “David vs Goliath” case, involves Bailey Point Investment Group suing 93-year-old Josephine Wright over land that her family says has been theirs since the end of the Civil War, according to a report by USA Today and other outlets. The lawsuit claims that Wright’s satellite dish, screened porch, and shed are encroaching on Bailey Point Investment Group’s property, where the company is reportedly constructing a 147-unit neighborhood. In a countersuit, Wright’s attorneys allege the company has been harassing, intimidating, and trespassing on the woman’s property in an attempt to get her to sell it. Wright’s granddaughter, Charise Graves, has since created a GoFundMe campaign to help cover legal expenses and build a fence between her grandmother’s property and the new development. “My grandmother is heartbroken but resilient and not ready to give up without a fight. That’s why I am turning to you, the community, for help,” Graves wrote on the GoFundMe page. The situation has caught the attention of several stars, including Snoop Dogg, who confirmed to CNN that he recently donated $10,000 to the campaign through his record label, Death Row Records. “I did it from the heart,” the rapper told CNN. “She reminds me of my mother and grandmother.” NBA star Kyrie Irving has also reportedly donated toward Wright’s cause, sending the elderly woman $40,000. Meanwhile, actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry has spoken out on social media, proclaiming, “Ms. Wright, please tell where to show up and what you need to help you fight.” At the time of this writing, the GoFundMe has raised more than $305,000. #binspirednews

The wife of a #police officer in #Texas, who was killed by a drunk driver in 2021 while off duty, finalized the adoption of their two sons and even changed their first names in honor of their late father. Euless Police Department Detective Alex Cervantes died and his wife Priscilla and two sons were seriously injured when a driver hit them, Fox 4 reported. Priscilla said she has no recollection of the crash and spent days in a coma. The Cervantes were in the process of adopting Priscilla’s cousins Jake, 12, and Joshua, 14, The boys’ parents were in and out of jail and had been staying with the Cervantes for a year and a half. “It means the world to me,” Priscilla said. “It’s something that both my husband and I have wanted.” Priscilla said the boys were worried about whether or not she would continue with the adoption process without her husband, but there was never a doubt in Priscilla’s mind that she was going to officially become their mom. Joshua honored his late dad by legally changing his name to Alex Cervantes III, and Jake changed his name to Isaac. The family was surrounded by loved ones. “And I’m so honored that they’re going to be a part of our family, officially,” Cervantes said. “There’s still that part of me that feels like there’s a missing piece to our puzzle.” Prior to getting behind the wheel, drunk driver Dylan Molina was seen on security footage stumbling behind the employee section of a bar, NBCDFW reported. “It does bother me to see all that,” Priscilla Cervantes said. “But I mean, I can’t go back and take that day back. Neither can he.” He was over-served eight alcoholic drinks in less than three hours by bartender Cala Richardson. Molina pleaded guilty to intoxication manslaughter and three counts of intoxication assault and was sentenced last month to serve 15 years in prison. Richardson was charged with a Class A misdemeanor and faces up to one year behind bars and a $4,000 fine, police said. #binspirednews

Two very active #Washington state residents reached their #milestone #birthdays at the same time this month. Joyce Johnson of #SkagitValley is an author who started writing when she turned 80-years-old, News 19 reported Monday. On July 7, she celebrated her 105th birthday and enjoyed a big cake specially made to mark the occasion. In a social media post Tuesday, Salem Lutheran Church E.L.C.A offered its well-wishes to her, writing, “Happy Birthday to our member Joyce Johnson!” Johnson, who previously worked as a local radio station’s office manager, says eating a bit of snack food, never trimming the fat off a steak, and enjoying some candy every now and then are some of her suggestions for a long and healthy life. However, the main ingredient is people, according to Johnson, who is a mother of three children and has eight great-great-grandchildren. “My long and happy life is (because of) my children,” she explained. Meanwhile on the same day at West Seattle’s Brookdale Senior Living, another special lady whose name is Rosa Facciuto also celebrated turning 105-years-old at a rooftop party. “We had Rosa’s favorite entertainer, CC, and the Evening Magazine came and danced with Rosa and interviewed her! There was cake and all of Rosa’s friends! Rosa is so loved and everyone was so excited to celebrate her!” Brookdale wrote in a social media post July 14. Facciuto says she has lived a good, busy life and never sat around doing nothing. However, she recently had to give up her driver’s license because she said it was time to do it. “You see these old people driving along on the road, and they’re so slow. And I like to go fast. I don’t have much patience,” she explained. Now, the two beloved ladies are inspiring others to live life to the fullest and keep pushing forward. “You only get out of life what you put into it,” Facciuto declared. In January, an assisted living facility in Beaumont, Texas, celebrated resident Annie Brazile’s birthday as she turned 104-years-old, Breitbart News reported. #binspirednews

A husband and wife in #Oxnard, #California, who are in their 90s, celebrated their love in an unexpected place. After Jesse Cirino, 91, was hospitalized recently for heart procedures, his wife, Mary Lou, 92, visited him as much as possible in his room at St. John’s Regional Medical Center, the Ventura County Star reported Saturday. The couple has been married for 66 years and is still deeply in love, but when Mary Lou was admitted to the hospital suffering from abdominal pain, they were on separate floors while medical staff took care of them. The difficult separation gave administrators an idea to ask if the two wanted to renew their wedding vows. They readily agreed to the proposal, and a ceremony occurred Thursday while the pair lay side by side in hospital beds. An image shows the love birds holding hands, and the hospital said, “Please join us in celebrating the 66th anniversary of grateful patients Jesse and Marylou!” “Thank you to each member of the St. John’s family that made this incredible moment a reality,” the hospital continued. The couple’s four daughters and two grandchildren were in attendance for the special moment, and afterward, everyone enjoyed some wedding cake. “There was not a dry eye in the room,” noted Shannon Morris, a nurse manager who took part in the plans. “Their family members bought the Gift Shop out of Casa Blanca Flowers and Nothing Bundt Cakes!” one social media user commented on the photo of the couple. “We also made a balloon bouquet and sold a beautiful battery-operated candle for the event. It was a bit of happiness in a week that had some tragedies. Congratulations to this wonderful couple and their lovely family members!” the person added. “Happy Anniversary to the sweetest couple I’ve ever known. Your love is something we all pray we can attain, and seeing you both, it certainly is contagious and possible!” another user replied. Per the Star, the couple was reportedly discharged from the hospital on Friday. Reasons couples renew vows include celebrating a significant anniversary, connecting a blended family, or simply taking time to celebrate the love a couple shares, according to Brides.com. #binspirednews

A #dog has been found and returned to his owner after he was taken during a carjacking in #Clearfield, #Utah. While at a Maverik gas station, Dee Thorell had her car stolen with her dog, Reo, sitting inside, KUTV reported Monday. Thorell tried to stop the suspect but was unsuccessful and ended up injured. She lost both her car and her dog. Thorell said she loves her dog more than anything in the world. Police arrested the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Melissa Rush, on Thursday, but she refused to reveal Reo’s whereabouts. The victim’s daughter said, “Reo is her baby, her world. She has a stroller for him, a car seat. He doesn’t eat dog food. She makes him these meals every morning and every night; that’s her companion.” Thorell was determined to find her beloved pet, so she and her son-in-law, Jeremy Willden, made flyers and shared them near a homeless camp on Saturday. The pair was about to leave when Thorell felt she should approach a homeless man’s tent and give him a flyer. To her surprise, the man, identified as John, said he recognized the dog and had seen him a few days prior. The camp’s residents said they saw the suspect leaving the dog with a family there following the alleged carjacking. John helped them locate an RV where Reo had been staying for several nights. The moment Reo heard his name called, he came running to his family. “I’m on top of the world. The last six days have been a lot of trauma, for sure,” Thorell told KSL after reuniting with her furry companion. John received the $2,500 reward for helping Reo get back to his family. #binspirednews

#Texas #police officers rescued an unconscious man from a burning car early Saturday morning. The car burst into flames after striking a telephone pole. Shortly before 3 a.m. Saturday morning, police dispatchers in White Settlement, Texas, received a call from a citizen regarding a vehicle that crashed into a telephone pole an burst into flames, according to a dashcam video released by police officials. Officers responded to the scene and found two people inside the burning car. The caller reporting the incident advised the dispatcher that two people inside the vehicle had just run into a telephone pole and that there was a fire under the front of the car. As the video begins, three White Settlement police officers can be seen carrying what appears to be an unconscious person from the bringing car. By this time, the entire engine compartment is in flames, and the fire has spread to the telephone pole. Bodycam video from one of the officers shows the second victim still trapped inside the car. “We’re going to get you out of the car,” the officer reassured the trapped passenger. The officers helped the victim away from the car and laid him on the ground. While police assisted the two people from the vehicle, another officer retrieved a fire extinguisher and attempted to put out the fire. “I want to highlight the heroic actions by the brave police officers who serve our community,” White Settlement Chief of Police Christopher Cook said in a Facebook post. “As you can see from the video, had it not been for the quick and decisive actions by police, this crash could have had a very different outcome. Our dispatchers received the information and were able to get our team in a position to help while managing the 9-1-1 calls and police radio.” White Settlement is located just west of Fort Worth, Texas. #binspirednews

A #Colorado postal worker saved the life of an 89-year-old woman on her route after noticing her mail piling up. Seana Green has been delivering mail to Marilyn Schmidt for the past four to five years, KOAT reported. “She’s out there pretty much at least like three or four times a week, kind of on an every other day thing,” Green told KOAT. Green treats the residents on her route like family and often stops to chat with them if she catches them outside. Green first noticed Schmidt’s absence on a Thursday, and she noticed mail hanging out of her box on Saturday. “I hollered through the screen and I said, ‘Mrs. Schmidt?'” Green said. “And, ‘Mrs. Schmidt, are you in there or are you OK?’ And I heard her very weak voice, like, ‘Oh,’ and it almost sounded like a kitten meowing. It broke my heart. I walked in, and sure enough, she was in the kitchen on the floor,” Green said. Green called 911, and Schmidt was transported to Mercy Medical Center in Durango. “The doctor said, you know, if we hadn’t found her when we did, it would have been probably the worst-case scenario,” Green said. Because of Green, Schmidt was able to celebrate her 90th family with her loved ones, and Green even made an appearance too. “I am just so excited that it brought us together and that she and I got to know each other, that I could be there because now she gets to celebrate her 90th birthday,” Green said. Green is not the only mail carrier that was invited to celebrate a birthday with someone she delivers mail to. A Connecticut toddler was surprised by a parade of mail trucks by his favorite carrier, “Mailman Mike,” Breitbart News reported. #binspirednews

A #farmer in #Pratt, #Kansas, came up with a stunningly beautiful gift to celebrate his beloved wife on a special day. Lee Wilson and his wife, Renee, will celebrate their milestone wedding anniversary soon, so he wanted to do something extra special to mark the occasion, KAKE reported Friday. The farmer and his son secretly planted the field in May, so Renee would not learn about it until it was time for them to celebrate. Renee had nothing but sweet things to say about the extremely thoughtful gift, noting, “It made me feel very special. [There] couldn’t have been a more perfect anniversary gift than a field of sunflowers.” According to Bloom and Wild, sunflowers got their name because the young ones move toward the sun to soak up its rays. “They just love basking in the rays and can’t get enough of that vitamin D. If you want to get technical though, their scientific name is helianthus,” the site reads, adding they symbolize loyalty, adoration, and are known as a “happy” flower. “In China, sunflowers symbolise long life, vitality, and good luck. And to Native Americans, sunflowers symbolised harvest and provision. Basically, no matter where you are, sunflowers are a positive flower that brings joy to many!” the site continues. Visitors from across Kansas are driving to Pratt to see the field packed with the state’s brightly-colored flower, which is located on Highway 54. #binspirednews

Two #police officers acted swiftly when a little girl desperately needed their help on July 22 in #ElMirage, #Arizona. The two-year-old’s family became distraught when she was pulled out of a backyard swimming pool and would not respond to them, Fox 10 reported Wednesday. Once officers received the call and learned the child was not breathing, they rushed to the scene, arriving in minutes, the El Mirage Police Department said in a social media post on Tuesday. Body camera footage shows the officers running into the home to locate the girl. “Where’s she at? Where’s she at?” one of the officers asks another person at the scene, who tells him she is in a bedroom. When the officer finds the child, he begins life-saving measures on the little girl. “There she is! You good? Hey! Keep breathing!” one of the officers says as he continues trying to revive her. Moments later, the child spits up, and the officers turn her to her side while encouraging her to cry, which she eventually does. “Good job,” one of the officers tells the other before the pair share a fist bump. Thanks to their skill in performing CPR — which is an “emergency life-saving procedure,” according to the American Heart Association — her life was saved. She was eventually taken to a local hospital for evaluation, and the police department said an investigation found there were no signs of neglect in her case. “Thanks to the quick response by our officers, a child’s life was saved. The relentless life-saving efforts by officers shows their dedication to protecting the lives of our community members,” El Mirage Police Chief Paul Marzocca stated. #binspirednews

Most people say once they win the #lottery, they will quit their job, but only Rae Ann Wentworth-Cadieux, 52, can say she lost her job and then won $1 million from the #PowerballJackpot. The #Massachusetts woman was just let go from the IT department at New Hampshire College, but now she says she and her husband are looking to buy a lake house — all thanks to her husband’s lucky numbers he has been playing since the 1990s, the Daily Hampshire Gazette reported. “This gift of this win could not have come at a better time for me and my husband,” Wentworth-Cadieux wrote in an email to the Daily Hampshire Gazette. “It will give us some needed breathing room until we consider retirement, which is expected to be a little more comfortable and a little early now.” She purchased the ticket at the Pride Station & Store in Hadley, and after taxes, she and her husband will take home $710,000. “We both plan to continue working for a few more years, but our plan of getting a lake house near retirement has been accelerated,” she said. “We will be looking to purchase a year-round camp/cottage/cabin in New England within a year now instead of the original three to five years down the road.” The two said they look forward to spending more time with their five grandchildren. “My husband and I are super excited, grateful, and still in a bit of shock,” Wentworth-Cadieux said. “I have never won more than $500 on an occasional scratch ticket.” Wentworth-Cadieux bought one of three Powerball tickets in Massachusetts that were valued at $1 million during the July 19 drawing. There were $1 million tickets sold across 18 states, NBC Chicago reported. However, there was only one ticket sold that matched all five numbers and the Powerball. The winning Powerball ticket — worth $1.08 billion, the third largest in the game’s history — was sold in downtown Los Angeles at Las Palmitas Mini Market, Breitbart News reported. #binspirednews