He travels 17 miles a day for work until a stranger gave him a ride and his life changes forever
By Mike-Ross
Donte Franklin is no stranger to going above and beyond in his work. With an unwavering positive attitude, he consistently pushes the boundaries each day.
Now, let us share his remarkable story, hoping it ignites the same inspiration in you as it has in those who have already encountered it.
On a scorching day in Oklahoma, while Michael Lynn was running errands on June 15, he noticed a young man walking down the street without a shirt. Curious, as he circled back, Michael spotted the same individual again. Realizing that the young man appeared to be traveling a considerable distance, he decided to pull up alongside him and kindly offered a ride.
The young man answered, “Yes, sir!” and got into the car. Michael learned that his name was Donte Franklin and that he was only 20 years old.
When asked about his destination, Donte told him he was walking to Buffalo Wild Wings on the other side of town. Upon hearing that, Michael was shocked because he knew that it was roughly an 8-mile walk.
Donte works as a chef there. And to make it to work on time, he has to leave the house three hours before his shift starts. Then, once the day is done, he does the same 8-mile walk back home.
That means Donte walks an average of five and a half hours a day and roughly 17 miles just to get to and from work. And the amazing thing about it is that he has never been late or missed a shift.
When they arrived at Buffalo Wild Wings, Donte pulled a clean shirt out of his backpack. Michael asked him if he had any money to eat, and he said no, so he handed him $20 and went on his way.
Michael was so impressed with Donte’s work ethic that he was compelled to share his story on Facebook. His post quickly went viral.
“I’m thinking this young man is truly on a mission to survive!” he wrote. “During the trip over there he told me a lot about himself because I asked … I just want to wish him well … may God bless him and I hope his days get better for him!”
Michael wanted to help Donte, so he created a GoFundMe for him so he can afford to buy a car for work. Incredibly, the fundraiser has collected $47,920 as of this writing, far exceeding its $2,000 goal!
“I can really help my family with this,” Donte said. “It’s just a really good blessing.”
However, Donte has yet to get his driver’s license. So while he waits, a local bicycle club stepped in and gave him a bike.
When asked where he draws his strength, Donte told Fox News that he gets it from his mother. Sadly, she died of Hepatitis C when he was 16-years-old.
“After she passed away it’s just been hard for me,” Donte said.
This beautiful story proves that a positive attitude and a small act of kindness can lead to greater things. It started with one person who wanted to make a difference in a young man’s life, and now, it has grown into a community-wide mission.
And the recipient of this act of kindness couldn’t be more deserving.
“If it can make just one person go help someone else that’s all that matters,” Michael said.
He is also glad that he got a new friend in Donte.
“As long as he wants to, I want to keep him in my life and I want to be in his life,” Michael said. “This is what I told him, if the Lord opens the door for you, walk through it, walk through, and I think it’s open for him and the rest is up to him.”
Donte is studying to be a welder and hopes to use the GoFundMe donations to buy a car and help his family.
Watch the video below from KOCO 5 News to learn more about this hardworking young man’s positive attitude in life.
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