Jennifer Garner Gives Gifts to Needy & Leaves Free Coffee for Random Strangers Knowing What Poverty Is

Jennifer Garner was not born with a silver spoon; she grew up experiencing poverty. But that only equipped her to challenge the status quo by becoming wealthy and successful. However, the actress still remembers her background; she spends her earnings helping her mother and all those in need and saving her childhood home.

Jennifer Garner has earned her place as a notable actress through years of dedication and consistency. She has been featured in many shows and films of different genres, showcasing her impressive talent.

This brunette beauty, who racked up commercial success following her lead role in ABC's spy-action thriller, "Alias," and international recognition in superhero films like "Daredevil" and "Elektra," has a humble background.

Garner was raised in Charleston, West Virginia, in a tiny yellow house on the hills, with parents Patricia and William, who had endured poverty. As a child, it wasn't easy to attain anything fancy, but somehow, these experiences instilled some values in her.

The Hollywood celebrity learned to cook because every meal they ate was homemade. Her mother sewed their clothes because it was impossible to afford the luxury of new ones. While recalling her childhood, Garner shared:

"There was not money for anything fancy, so mom made everything. She made everything that we ate. She made everything we wore. God bless that woman! She made everything. We did not have potato chips unless she was there frying them."

Despite their inability to afford a luxurious lifestyle, Garner enjoyed her childhood in a neighborhood with kids who loved to kick cans, play in the woods, build forts, and collect things.

Growing up in a poor background also instilled working instincts in her. As a teenager, the "Elektra" star sought ways to earn no matter how little. In her words:

"I was always creating jobs for myself. I was always babysitting a ton and shoveling walks, anything; I was always finding a way–I liked to have a little change in my pocket. [My cousin] would take me out on the tractor and let me drive the tractor…in my mind, it really stands out."

Looking back, Garner, who has maintained her work ethic and is now a farmer and an entrepreneur, mentioned that her early years' experiences were exceptional, and not everyone in her town witnessed the same.

She refused to be ashamed and shared her gratitude for having a wonderful childhood in a rural community where other kids endured worse conditions.

Despite being surrounded by what she described as "generational world poverty," she became inspired to help kids in such conditions rather than turn a blind eye.

The actress, a member of the Board of Trustees of the nonprofit Save the Children, voiced out the importance of alleviating poverty in rural areas during her speech on Capitol Hill. She also explained why she can't just stand on the sidelines, saying:

"Poverty is silent. But I can't be. I grew up—as I have often told people—one generation and one holler removed from poverty. I knew children in my own school who had to cut holes in the toes of their shoes because they couldn't afford to buy new ones. I couldn't stand up for them back then. But I can stand up for their families now. With Save the Children."

Jennifer Garner Studied Acting with Her Parents' Support

Patricia worked as a local college school teacher while her husband was a chemical engineer. The couple had little money but believed in education, so they spent their life savings sending their three daughters to college.

Despite ensuring their girls had the best education, they never tried to define their kids' choices. Instead, they were supportive. Garner changed her major to Theater in college, yet her parents were proud of her, with her mom advising her to study what she loved.

Eventually, what she loved became her path to success and stardom. Over the years, the "13 Going on 30" star has gained fans' recognition, awards, and even endorsement deals. Sources confirmed she earns about $3 million annually from representing brands.

Garner has used her story to inspire millions of fans through her words and actions.

Rather than live a life that eluded her in childhood, she used part of her earnings to save her mom's childhood home. This farm houses a lot of happy memories even though there was no electricity, indoor plumbing, and running water.

Patricia grew up on a farm in Locust Grove, Oklahoma. It was purchased by her father, a war veteran, in 1936, for $700. Initially, the property was a two-room house and twenty acres, minus the one acre at the heart of the farm.

After her father died, her mother sold the farm to Patricia's brother James who later sold it to their other brother Robert in 2008. In 2017, to make sure the farm stayed with the family, Garner bought it from her uncle, leaving him and his wife to continue living there and taking care of it.

Jennifer Garner Has a Heart of Gold despite Her Humble Background

Garner has used her story to inspire millions of fans through her words and actions. The actress is forever grateful for the life she had and also shares her earnings with the needy by providing some basic needs.

Via her Instagram page, she shows these random acts of kindness. In one of her stories tagged "50 before 50," the movie star demonstrated her heart of gold by leaving flowers on windshields and coffee for random strangers.

In one of her posts, she also shared her version of handouts for the needy—essentials such as thick socks, tissue, hand wipes, chopsticks, granola bars, and even feminine hygiene products. She advised:

"Gather these essentials in a quart sized ziploc bag and keep them in your car to give away when you see someone in need."

Indeed, the "Miracles From Heaven" star is an epitome of kindness, as she shares her wealth with not only family members or random strangers but is also a voice that refuses to be silent for the kids in rural communities. While she may be unable to change her history, Garner aims to rewrite a new story for those who poverty has silenced.