‘It’s amazing that they did this.’ Johnson County family given car full of food

Megan Spruiell was a little suspicious when the OpenDoor FoodBank in Joshua told her they really wanted her to stop by on Sunday morning.

She had been there just two weekends ago, so the request left Spruiell confused.

During her last visit to the food bank, her car — a used junker that she bought from someone for $250 — leaked radiator fluid as she waited in line. She lives a few blocks from the food bank, so she ran home, put in more fluid, and got back in line.

She was last to get food.

Her story left an impression on Pastor Frank Allen and Bryan Acton, an elder at the Open Door Church, which was formed after the OpenDoor FoodBank.

The food bank knew it would serve its 100,000th person on Nov. 25. To celebrate, they wanted to give a family a new car stuffed with food. Acton kept his eyes open for someone in need and he said he prayed about it. And then he met Spruiell.

“She is so deserving and such a thankful person,” he said. “She counts her blessings and what she has.”

Spruiell is a mother of two with another girl due in January. She also cares for her 10-year-old sister. She drives everyone to school and drives her husband, Lee — who is visually impaired and can’t drive — to work.

On Sunday, volunteers of the food bank filled a gold car with food — which included a full-size turkey, pounds of hamburger and bread — tied four balloons to the front, and topped it off with a bow on the grill.

When Spruiell and her two children, 3-year-old Kaden and 5-year-old Kaelynne, showed up to the food bank, every volunteer loudly cheered for them.

Seeing the car, Spruiell cried. Her family was also gifted a $500 gas gift card.

“I can’t believe you guys,” she said. “It’s amazing that they did this for me.”

She couldn’t wait to surprise Lee with the car later.

OpenDoor FoodBank has been operating in Johnson County for 25 years. Every two weeks, they serve between 1,500 and 2,150 people. They also provide food for 25 other ministries in Johnson and Tarrant counties.

The food they give away is donated by several vendor partners including Walmart and Trader Joe’s.

The food bank gives with no strings attached, said Kyp Shillam.

“We don’t ask for proof of income or proof of why they need help,” she said.

This story was originally published November 25, 2018 at 5:05 PM.