Everyone needs a little help now and then. Life can be tough and unexpected expenses can happen, causing people to be short on cash. Sometimes people need a few bucks. Some people in a small Alabama town were shocked to learn just how often one man gave and helped those in need over the years.
Hody Childress, a farmer from Geraldine, Alabama, passed away on Jan. 1. He was 80 years old, according to WVTM. However, it wasn't until his funeral that the people of Geraldine learned of Hody's decades-long generosity.
Knowing that some of Geraldine's 900 residents could not pay for their medications, Hody stepped in....silently. Back in 2012, Hody walked into Geraldine Drugs and spoke with owner, manager and pharmacist Brooke Walker, WTVM reports.
Brooke told the Birmingham, Alabama television station what happened and the instructions Hody gave her.
"Here, this $100 is for anyone who can't afford their prescription." "Do not tell a soul that the money came from me," said Hody. "Tell them it's a blessing from God."
After Hody handed Brooke that first $100 bill to help others pay for their much-needed medication, it quickly became a habit.
The following month Hody entered Geraldine Drug, gave Brooke a $100 bill and relayed the very same instructions. Hody did the same thing every month for the next 10 years, Brooke said.
Hody's giving came after he suffered the loss of two people in his life – a son in the 1970s and his wife in 1999, according to Good News Network.
Weeks before his passing, Hody still kept up his generosity. Although, he needed some help to do it. He asked his daughter, Tania Nix, to deliver the money to the pharmacy. His daughter wasn't even aware of his giving until that very moment.
"I was shocked - I had no idea that he was helping people at the drugstore," Tania told the station.
During Hody's funeral, his daughter Tania finally let everyone know about her father's secret giving.
But Hody's legacy of giving will live on. His loved ones in Geraldine, Alabama have come together to keep Hody's fund alive.
"When you give money to the poor, do not make a noise about it, as the false-hearted men do in the Synagogues and in the streets, so that they may have glory from men. Truly, I say to you, they have their reward." – Matthew 6:2
Article originally published by God Updates. Used with permission.
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Kayla James
Video courtesy: ©Good Morning America