March 3, 2026
Dear Leighton,
My name is Courtney. We met last week.
I’ve been thinking about you ever since.
You carefully spelled your name for me. You told me about your birthday party — the one where, instead of asking for gifts, you asked your friends to bring food for neighbors at Nourish Up. Then you and your dad drove it all to the Hunger Hub on a Friday afternoon and carried it in yourselves.
Leighton, I’m not sure I know many grownups who think the way you do.
I am so proud of you.
It’s not easy to think about others first — especially when you’re turning eight. But you did. Because somewhere in your heart, you understand something many people take years to learn: that loving your neighbor matters.
There are families whose kids go to school, and moms and dads work and try very hard — and still struggle to put food on the table. That’s why Nourish Up exists. But we don’t exist without people like you. Without your kindness. Your energy. Your willingness to notice.
You made sure someone will eat because you had a birthday.
That’s extraordinary.
I hope your class knows what a gift you are. I hope your teacher does too. I hope your sister one day reminds you what you did when you turned eight.
You may know the verse that says, “To whom much is given, much is required.” Most people spend a lifetime accumulating the “given” and figuring out what “required” means. You’re already living it.
My team at Nourish Up is grateful. I am grateful. We stand to learn a lot from you.
Next time you come, stay a little longer. Bring your family for a tour. The day we met felt quick — all I managed to give you was a Nourish Up sticker. (It felt a little like that scene in Home Alone when the mall Santa gives Kevin a Tic Tac.)
You deserved more than that. So I wanted to write. I can do better.
But for now, just know this:
I am in awe of you and the example you set.
Courtney
See how Leighton’s birthday made an impact beyond her party in this story from Spectrum News 1 →
