Antony Sanchez arrived at West40's Heart 2 Heart pantry in Westchester with his mother and younger brother earlier this month expecting to pick up a snow blower that could help him earn money by clearing driveways this winter. But he left with more than just a new battery-powered snow blower donated by World Vision. The 17-year-old also received a commitment by World Vision to provide him additional landscaping equipment that can lead to more earning potential beyond Chicagoland's snowy seasons.
"I'm more shocked than anything. It's going to be a really big start for me, for the business I'm trying to run. A big start. I have no words," Sanchez said.
Sanchez, who worked for West40's facilities team for several weeks this past summer, said his goal with the business is to make money to pay for college and financially help his parents and younger siblings.
Sanchez's mother, Nancy Ramirez, said her son has been a tremendous help around the house.
"Not just only right now, but since my son was younger, I've been really proud. He has so much drive and with this, I won't have to worry about him staying at home," Ramirez said in Spanish.
Sanchez said there are no words to describe how much he loves his family and he wants to make them proud.
"Theyāve been along with me for 17 years and why not return the favor back?" Sanchez said.
West40's partnerships with organizations like World Vision support us in our mission to be what our students and families need.
"To meet this young man and hear his story, it was like, you know what, if we have the capacity, why not just pour into him and help him out and be able to give so that his family can continue to thrive," said Perrise Thomas of World Vision.
World Vision said the additional equipment for Sanchez would include a larger snowblower, a leaf blower, trimmers, and batteries.
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