Ever had one of those days where you just hate your commute? Maybe it’s raining outside and everyone forgot how to drive, or maybe you just really want to change into your pajamas after a long day. Now imagine having no choice but to walk instead.
That’s what happened to Darlene Quinn of Spartanburg, South Carolina when her car’s transmission went out and her radiator broke – only her walks continued for three months.
GoFundMe
The 60-year-old has worked at FedEx six days a week for about seven years. Since her shift usually starts at 4 a.m., she had to get up extremely early to walk 12 miles one way and ensure she would be on time.
When her coworker Josh Lewis realized what was going on, he knew he had to do something to help. After all, only a year ago he’d been in a similar situation and had needed his friends to help him get back on his feet. Without them, he would still be struggling, and he was ready to show Darlene that same kindness!
So Josh and Mark McDaniel, his boss, started picking Darlene up in the morning and offering her rides home whenever they could. But she still struggled because she had other places she needed to go. Knowing she was saving for another car, Josh started a GoFundMe to help surprise her with one.
Facebook
He shared the campaign page on Facebook, writing, “Please take some time to read this, and if you can, help Ms. Darlene. I am going to be giving where I can. Thank you in advance for your help!”
Within hours of sharing the post, Josh received more than $2,000 in donations. By the end of the day, someone offered up a free 1999 Buick, and another person said they’d sell her an older Toyota Avalon for $800. But other donors convinced Josh to keep raising money so Darlene could get a more reliable car.
At the end of the week, he’d raised enough to buy her a small SUV!
Facebook
What an amazing way to pay it forward! All Josh is asking of others now is to use Darlene’s story as a reminder to step up for neighbors in need. Can you imagine what the world would be like if we all looked out for each other like Darlene’s coworkers did for her?
Watch Darlene’s reaction to her new car in the video below, and share this story to encourage everyone to be generous and kind.
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