DETROIT – Robby Eimers is soft spoken and at 14 truly does have a baby face.
Every Saturday in Detroit, Robby “shares” with his “friends.” Sharing is feeding, his friends are the “homeless.” “I don’t like calling them ‘the homeless.’” Robby says.
There is a long line down 3rd Street in Detroit on this Saturday morning. Dozens of people, all here to see young Robby.
People in need, hungry people, homeless people all lined up at a purple food truck marked “Andiamo.”
Robby is at the window.
Vernon Smith is here every Saturday.
Robby is here every Saturday.
“It’s a blessing.” Smith says of Robby’s weekly efforts. Robby hands Smith a hot meal of Andiamo pasta, and sauce with a meatball. “I prayed for this.” Smith says.
Robby Eimers has been feeding and clothing the homeless in Detroit since he was 9 years old.
“My Grandparents took us to a Tigers game. There were so many homeless people.” Robby says. That’s how he got his start. He hasn’t stopped since.
“He took his birthday and Christmas money, went to the dollar store, bought bottle water and started giving it out to the homeless. I thought it would last a week. It’s lasted years. He’s raised thousands. He’s helped thousands.” Says Robby’s grandmother, Cynthia Kostukoff.
The purple truck
So what’s up with the purple food truck today?
The food truck belongs to Andiamo. Inside is the food truck chef, Frank Djokovic and the director of Andiamo’s food truck operations, Dominic Vicari. “Pasta with our signature sauce,” Chef Djokovic says he’s cooking.
“We volunteer our own time. We love being here with Robby.” Vicari says.
The two are showing Robby how a food truck operates, the two show Robby how to make ravioli.
“I eventually want to own my own food truck, so I can make the food and drive it to my friends. I’ve raised $25,000 so far.” Robby says.
“With my food truck, I’ll be able to carry more food to share with more friends.” Robby says.
Robby has been featured on Local 4 and on national news for years now.
He’s actually growing up before our very eyes, from little kid, to tween and now into a young man.
There is a calm consistency about Robby Eimers. He’s in Detroit every Saturday feeding people. In our world that on most days can feel that is coming apart at the seams, a 14 year old from metro Detroit is here, quietly sharing. Sharing with his friends.
Want to help Robby? Visit here.