Readers rush to aid a family with triplets and not enough food to eat

The state didn’t give much help to the family with triplets that says benefits clerks kept losing its food stamp applications. But Watchdog Nation readers stepped in and showed the kindness of strangers.

James and Jennifer Moore of Watauga lost four months of food stamps because, they say, officials at the state office in Fort Worth lost their renewal applications. When they called, they often couldn’t get their calls answered.

James Moore is an airplane mechanic and also goes to college to earn a federal license that will help him advance to a better-paying job.

Jennifer Moore is a full-time mom caring for the 2-year-old triplets — naturally born and a family surprise — and their older sister. Day care is too expensive for her to work outside the home.

When readers learned that on several occasions the parents went without eating to feed the children, they were moved to help.

One reader mailed a $5 bill with an unsigned note: "I wish this could be more. But maybe it might buy a jug of milk."

All told, $2,995 more came in for the family: $2,300 in cash and supermarket gift cards.

"The outpouring of support from total strangers is overwhelming," James Moore said.

Part of bigger problem

The state’s benefits distribution system does not always work as it should.

A government report released this month shows that several thousand families in Dallas-Fort Worth do not receive benefits at least 30 days after applying, the standard considered acceptable.

The report by the Texas Health and Human Services Department shows that the timeliness rates for September and October were worse than usual, said to be the result of problems related to Hurricane Ike.

But if government moves slowly, readers were quick to fill the void in the Watauga family’s cupboard.

One reader writes, "I am an elderly man who has been blessed far beyond what I deserve, and I am grateful that you have made it possible for me to help James and Jennifer and their family."

He enclosed a $500 check.

Reaching out to the family were the Watauga Police Alumni Association, First Baptist Church of Saginaw, Richland Hills Church of Christ, MOST Mothers of Supertwins group and Legal Aid of Northwest Texas.

A Keller family portrait photographer has offered free portraits. Another reader wants to take them shopping for clothing. Others brought bags of groceries.

Letters from the heart

A Keller woman writes that she is "saddened that my neighbors are going without food so that their children can eat. Thanks for bringing the need for improvement in the system to the public’s attention."

Another Keller resident writes, "Those of us who have plenty certainly need to help struggling families like this one. This state is in such a mess no one can figure it out. Very much like our federal government."

A North Richland Hills reader writes, "I was shocked. This family is trying to support their children desperately and finding only doors slammed in their face. What can we do to help? I was crying after reading your article and thinking about the $100 we spent the other night at the Movie Tavern."

Another reader: "I have had the same problem with getting help with food stamps, so I can understand their frustration. The article hit home for me, and I would like to help this family."

Another: "Believe me when I say we are honored to be able to help you. Our family within the past eight months just got through a financial crisis that went on for about four years. We have relied on the kindness of friends, family, complete strangers and yes, the government. But most of all, we relied on God. We are thankful every day for the help that was given to us to get through."

And this last one: "Thanks for the lesson in humility in reminding me to be grateful when I have enough. Thanks for allowing me to help and for helping me find a grateful heart again."

Great meaning

The only bad news is that, with these gifts, the Moores no longer qualify for food stamps. At least, not for a while.

But the money they have to buy food is not only money. The letters and the gifts represent something else.

Jennifer Moore says: "This kind of puts your faith back in mankind."

James Moore says: "We want to remember this, and when the time comes when we can help someone in need, we want to pass along our good fortune to them."

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