Inspiring: Over $26k raised for 20-Year-Old man who walks 17 miles a day to work
By MarissaRocks
Going to work on time each day is important for making the right impression at work, however this can only be done with a reliable mode of transport – something not everyone can guarantee in life.
One 20-year-old from Oklahoma knows this feeling, as he had no choice but to walk to his place of work every day to ensure he earned the money needed to keep a roof over his head.
Donte Franklin has struggled in life ever since he lost his mom when he was just a teenager.
“She passed away when I was 16-years-old. She had Hepatitis C. After she passed away it’s just been hard for me,” he explained, as per Fox News.
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He says his mom gives him the strength to get to work every day for his shift at Buffalo Wild Wings – even though it involves walking 17 miles every day.
But for this hardworking man getting to work without a car is easier said than done. The state doesn’t have a reliable public transport system and harsh weather can mean walking in an ice storm or blazing heat.
Getting to work for Donte means leaving three hours before his shift starts.
And yet, “I haven’t missed a shift at all,” said Donte.
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He’s never even been late. The job means too much to him.
“I really don’t care if it gets tiring. I just have to keep pushing,” he said, “I walk just to make my family proud.”
One day in the blazing heat of the ‘Sooner State’ Donte was making his usual trip to work on foot when a stranger stopped to help him.
“I’m like man he’s walking a long way,” said Michael Lynn, the driver who offered Donte a ride.
‘It was a true blessing’
Michael learned of the arduous journey Donte makes every day to work and was so impressed he posted his story on Facebook. The response from people expressing a desire to help Donte was so overwhelming it prompted a fundraiser.
Now more than $30,000 has been raised to help pay for Donte to learn how to drive and buy a car.
“I wasn’t expecting it, but really it was a true blessing he gave me a ride,” a grateful Donte said.
Brand new bicycle
“I can really help my family with this. It’s just a really good blessing,” he added.
And the generosity didn’t stop there; a local bike club also gifted him a brand new bicycle to keep him going until he gets his driver’s license.
Donte’s long walks battling all the elements are behind him now and he’s even gained a new friend.
“I think we need to keep each other. I love this guy like my own,” gushed Michael.
https://twitter.com/WGXAnews/status/1407024558964719616
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