She gave her widow's mite to help the local food bank.
widow's mite
idiomA very small gift or donation which, however, represents a great sacrifice on the part of the giver.
Origin
disputed originFrom the Bible account of the poor widow’s donation of two mites (or leptons, small coins of low value) to the temple contribution box, which Jesus Christ praised as more than the gifts presented by wealthy people, for “[a]ll these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on”: Luke 21:1–4 (New International Version); see also Mark 12:38–44.
Although he had very little money himself, he offered his widow's mite to support the family in need.
The humble donation was truly a widow's mite, representing a significant personal sacrifice that far outweighed its modest monetary value.
Last updated July 12, 2026