Darlene Quinn of Greenville, SC had been walking 12 miles home from work since her car broke down months ago. But her walking days are through, thanks to her thoughtful co-workers and dozens of strangers.
Josh Lewis works with Quinn at FedEx. A few months ago, Lewis said he and his boss started seeing Quinn walking along busy roads.
Lewis said Quinn had someone who'd take her to work, but she had to walk back home.
About a month ago, Lewis and his boss began offering Quinn rides.
"We told her who we were and that we also worked at FedEx," Lewis said, "She must've felt safe enough to get in the car with us."
Lewis said it was on those rides that he and his boss began to learn more about Quinn's situation. Her car broke down a few months ago, but unable to afford its repairs, she began to walk.
A couple of weeks ago, Lewis went to his boss and suggested they start a GoFundMe to help Quinn get back in a car. The fundraising page was posted Oct. 22. Within a week, about 100 people had raised enough to buy Quinn a car.
On Tuesday, Lewis said they worked with a local dealership to buy Quinn a car then surprised her with it at work.
“It was amazing," Lewis said of the moment. "She just started bawling crying and saying how she can’t believe that this is happening to her.”
Lewis said two locally-owned businesses also reached out wanting to help Quinn. One of them is offering free oil changes and the other is offering tire service as needed. Lewis said they wished to remain anonymous.
Quinn didn't want to speak about her story, but she gave Lewis permission to speak on her behalf.
Lewis said Quinn told him she just wished she could personally thank everyone who contributed. She even gave Lewis a card to share with donors.
“I told her she’s just an inspiration," Lewis said. "I know I don’t think I would walk 12 miles just to go to work or to come home from work on a daily basis.”