MORROW, Ohio - When an 88-year-old World War II veteran called for help, he didn't expect a Warren County deputy to knock on his door. Or what happened next.
Gail Weekley was out of food. His car had broken down, his son was away, and he didn't know how to get to the nearest grocery store 8 miles away. That's when Deputy Charles Hale, making a wellbeing check at Weekley's home, went above and beyond the call of duty.
“I opened up his fridge, and he had just a little thing of meat. He stated he needed a ride," Hale said.
The deputy knew he had to act.
"When I offered to take him to the store, his face lit up,” Hale said. “He couldn't get ready fast enough. He was ready to walk out the door."
The deputy drove the Air Force veteran to the nearest Kroger, than waited outside for about 20 minutes while Weekley bought what he needed. Then he drove him home and carried the groceries inside.
“I kind of thought back to, if that was my grandfather, what would I want somebody to do for him," Hale said.
“He seemed excited to have someone to talk to,” Hale said. “He told me a lot of war-time stories from his time in the military. Told me a lot about the neighborhood. It was just good to let him talk and let him interact.”
And good for the deputy, too.
“That was a first for me personally,” Hale said. “I hadn’t had one like that before.
“It’s one of the things that’s important to do - to help people out. You know, we do all the other stuff - write citations, make arrests. When someone actually legitimately needs help like this gentlemen did, it’s important to help him.
“That’s what makes it satisfying - knowing you were able to help somebody out when they didn’t have any help.”
Weekley said he thanked the deputy and offered him one of the boxes of donuts he had bought.
“He said I’m not allowed to. I was going to leave it in the car, but if I had, he would’ve brought it back in,” Weekley said.
Weekley said Hale's kindness just proved that deputies are "good people."
"They have to be to be a deputy or a cop and have a feeling for it," Weekley said.
Help for the Hungry
If you or someone you know is hungry and in need of help, there are several local programs you can turn to.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services may be able to determine if you qualify for food assistance programs.
There's also the Food Resource and Action Center and No Kid Hungry.
The Freestore Foodbank is also able to help.
