In a city like Chicago where we normally hear about violence and cruelty, it is a bit comforting to see there are still people willing to lend a helping hand.
After the Little League World Series nearly every person who follows sports was familiar with Chicago’s Jackie Robinson West team. However, most people were unaware that 12-year-old Jaheim Benton did not have a place to come home to after they lost.
According to Huffinton Post a Chicago business owner is taking strides to change this and has offered to pay a year’s rent for Benton’s family. Spencer Leak Jr., vice president of Chicago’s Leak & Sons Funeral Homes, explains why he decided to help the young boy’s family.
Spencer Leak Jr. told The Huffington Post he heard of Benton’s situation on the radio Friday morning while holding to phone in for an unrelated story. When it was his turn to talk, the 44-year-old vice president of Chicago’s Leak & Sons Funeral Homes said on the air that his family’s business would be willing to cover an entire year’s rent for the Benton family.
“I just felt for them. I look at my son and my daughter and by the grace of God, they’re able to come home to their own beds every night. But that could all end tomorrow,” Leak told HuffPost. “God has blessed us, so we have to give back. Whether it be help for a funeral or housing or giving food, we have to step up to do that.”
Leak later met privately with Jaheim’s mother and talked about some items for the future.
Leak stated that what they are doing is not out of the ordinary he hopes his family’s kindness will inspire others to help neighbors in need.