Every day one Franklin County, Kansas woman would walk six miles back and forth to get to her job and then home again at the end of a long workday.
No matter if it was sunny, rainy, hot, or cold.
She was out there making her way to work every morning at 7 a.m. so that she could provide for her family.
Citizens in the community eventually called the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office to report this woman who they saw walking in the cold along 59 Highway between Ottawa and Princeton.
After getting some calls, the deputies found out that she was just making her way to and from Love’s Truck Stop where she works.
So, to help ease her burden, the deputies would give the woman a ride the rest of her way to work or home.
During their rides together, the 24-year-old woman told deputies that she was walking all that way so she could feed her two children and that she was determined that to take care of them the best she could.
Inspired by the love she had for her children, the deputies decided they wanted to do this woman one better instead of just giving her a lift every now and then.
“Sgt. Jesse Vega and his patrol team saw a need and worked to fill it,” Sheriff Jeff Richards told 13 WIBW. “Working with other members of the Sheriff’s Office and community members, they were able to bless someone in a way that words cannot express.”
They decided that they would use the proceeds donated to them during “No Shave November” to buy this woman a vehicle of her own so she can safely get to and from work no matter what the weather is like.
They raised enough money to buy the mother a van, two new car seats, registration for the car, a year’s worth of car insurance, a gift card, cash, and presents for the kids within just a few days thanks to the community and a partnership with Love’s Truck Stop.
They surprised the woman with these gifts on Dec. 15.
The surprise was even caught on video.
And her reaction was everything you’d think it would be.
She walked with her hands over her mouth in disbelief, getting more and more excited the closer she got to her new van.
“I am very proud of the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office,” said Richards. “This is not just something they did, this shows who they are. I am proud of who they are! This is an example of their commitment to serve our community.”
She thanked them all profusely!
“We could take them to the park,” the mom proclaimed.
She even let out a few happy shrieks.
“Oh my God, there’s even toys in there,” she said. “I could get them Christmas gifts!”
She was pretty much completely shrieking by the end of the video.
The sheriff’s office Facebook fans were so happy to see this woman filled with joy that she could now better provide for her children.
“Thank you to ALL who helped this Mother out in a tough tough situation! God will certainly bless you!” wrote one fan.
“This is so amazing! Her reaction was pure joy and our community is so blessed to have such caring individuals that are willing to help!” said another.
Watch this woman’s reaction in the video below.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
Here is a short video of the gift that was given this morning. Our deputies went above and beyond!!!
Posted by Franklin County, KS – Sheriff's Office on Tuesday, December 15, 2020
