Homeless Jackie Robinson West Little Leaguer has rent paid thanks to donation

While Jackie Robinson West, the Chicago-based team who represented the Great Lakes region at the Little League World Series, didn’t come home with the overall crown they can call themselves champions after winning the United States title game.

More from Little League World Series

Of course, the month-long ride that took not only Chicago but much of the country by storm eventually came to an end and the little league players returned home with memories they’ll cherish for the rest of their life. However, Jaheim Benton didn’t have a true home to return to as he and his family were going through a difficult time financially which saw his mother have her weekly work hours reduced from 40 to 18 while his father can only get work as a part-time radiator technician.

The lack of funds forced the family of the Jackie Robinson Little Leaguer to split apart and stay with friends and family after losing their three-bedroom apartment on Chicago’s South Side.

Tina Sfondeles brought the story attention with her piece in the Chicago Sun-Times and it caught the eye of Spencer Leak Jr., part-owner of Leak and Sons Funeral Home who donated enough money to pay the family’s rent for the next year.

"Spencer Leak, Jr., from Leak and Sons Funeral Home in Chatham, was moved by Jaheim’s story. The Leak family made a generous gift on Friday: a year’s worth of rent for the Little Leaguer’s family.“I would hope that this rent turns into a mortgage that turns into home ownership for them,” said Leak Jr. “We want our little superstar to have a roof over his head because that’s what he is. He’s a superstar.”"

The Benton family rent is upwards of $900 dollars, so it’s an impressive donation and will allow the family to get back on their feet after a tough time.

Such a wonderful gesture on the part of Leak and Sons.

Home/Little League World Series