The holiday season often brings out the best in people. But for a York man, his passion is helping year round.
Bobby Brunner was a drug addict for 30 years. He'll proudly tell you that he's been clean and sober for 11 years. But in his days, he's seen a lot of evil.
"I’ve seen kids hanging on to their parents' legs, crying because they were hungry. Parents selling food stamps for the next drug,” explained Brunner. “I’ve seen them sell bedroom suites out from under the kids. They have to sleep on cold dirty floors. I've seen a lot of evil. And now it's time for me to come back and make a difference."
This week, Brunner put up a tent on Carlisle Street and will live in it for seven days, accepting donations.
"We take donations of anything and everything, but we specify coats, blankets, hats gloves, scarves and toys," explained Brunner.
"I had a lot of sleeping bags and blankets from when my kids were younger that they just never used,” commented Trivia Kinard. “I knew someone would be appreciative of them."
Items donated this week will be given to those who need them on December 8 across from the York Fairground. All are welcome.
But what makes Bobby unique is that this isn't a once-and-done deal. Nor is it a once-a-year good deed. He accepts donations all year.
Every couple months at special events he makes them available to whoever needs them. And once a year he recruits doctors and medical specialists from the York area who lend a hand at one of the give-a-ways at Sovereign Bank Park to provide free health care screening.
"I’ve seen people drop down on their hands and knees and bowing and praising God,” stated Brunner. “They always touch me, telling me God has plans for me."
Bobby Brunner will be accepting donations across from the York Fairgrounds through Sunday evening. If it's late at night, no need to knock on the tent to wake him. Just leave it in front of the entrance.
Bobby Brunner was a drug addict for 30 years. He'll proudly tell you that he's been clean and sober for 11 years. But in his days, he's seen a lot of evil.
"I’ve seen kids hanging on to their parents' legs, crying because they were hungry. Parents selling food stamps for the next drug,” explained Brunner. “I’ve seen them sell bedroom suites out from under the kids. They have to sleep on cold dirty floors. I've seen a lot of evil. And now it's time for me to come back and make a difference."
This week, Brunner put up a tent on Carlisle Street and will live in it for seven days, accepting donations.
"We take donations of anything and everything, but we specify coats, blankets, hats gloves, scarves and toys," explained Brunner.
"I had a lot of sleeping bags and blankets from when my kids were younger that they just never used,” commented Trivia Kinard. “I knew someone would be appreciative of them."
Items donated this week will be given to those who need them on December 8 across from the York Fairground. All are welcome.
But what makes Bobby unique is that this isn't a once-and-done deal. Nor is it a once-a-year good deed. He accepts donations all year.
Every couple months at special events he makes them available to whoever needs them. And once a year he recruits doctors and medical specialists from the York area who lend a hand at one of the give-a-ways at Sovereign Bank Park to provide free health care screening.
"I’ve seen people drop down on their hands and knees and bowing and praising God,” stated Brunner. “They always touch me, telling me God has plans for me."
Bobby Brunner will be accepting donations across from the York Fairgrounds through Sunday evening. If it's late at night, no need to knock on the tent to wake him. Just leave it in front of the entrance.