Disinfecting a germy school, cleaning up vomit, sweeping up an endless stream of crumbs in the lunchroom … being a school janitor is not an easy task. Not to mention having to fix almost everything that breaks.
The job may not pay well, but the school custodian is beloved by many for all that he or she does. It seems to be a thankless job.
So a group of teachers, staff members and school families in Germantown, Tennessee, decided to show their janitor, Robert Reed, just how much he means to them.
He’s always looking for extra work to complete at Farmington Elementary School and takes 6 buses and walks four miles roundtrip to get to the school every single day.
“Let’s say I get off at 3 p.m. Then I get home around 7 p.m. All the teachers have taken me to the bus stop. They even gave me money when I didn’t have any. I’m telling you, Farmington is a family here.”
Teacher Elizabeth Malone launched a GoFundMe initiative to raise $10,000 for Robert so that he could take on an extra job.
“Mr. Robert Reed is a custodian at the elementary school where I teach. He loves the students and teachers here. Mr. Robert always has a smile on his face. His manager says he LOOKS for jobs to do around the school, after he has completed his daily tasks. Every day he goes above and beyond taking care of the needs in our facility. We feel he needs a truck because he plans to have a side business doing yard work. Mr. Robert adds a little sunshine to our school with his smile and his exemplary work ethic. We want to make life a little easier by providing him a used, reliable truck.”
In less than a week, the GoFundMe initiative Elizabeth launched exploded.
More than 1,000 people, among them strangers, donated to the cause, generating $47,332. Everyone was blown away by people’s generosity, especially Robert.
The staff asked him to go to the library to talk about his duties, or so he thought. Turns out they had lied to him to drop bombshell news on him. So when they told him about a GoFundMe campaign, he dropped to his knees in tears of joy.
“This campaign has gone well beyond my wildest dreams, and I am sure he feels the same way. I can’t wait to get to school this morning, and share with him the new total. Each morning when we give him an update, he just cries and cries….and so do we. He is so very humble and completely overwhelmed with gratitude. Last week, he even asked me to marry him!!!! :P I told him since he was rich now, I would think about it, but would have to get a divorce from my wonderful husband first. :) Mr. Robert is just too precious and sweet and FUNNY!”
The teachers and staff remind Robert how appreciative they are of all the does and what a wonderful role model he is for the students.
“His work ethic is unbelievable and we want our kids to pick up on that, not only to have a good work ethic, but also if you see someone in need, try to help. It’s important to do that.”
Robert couldn’t imagine what kind of a vehicle he could buy with the amazing amount of money raised just for him. Some of the money donated also will help pay for his insurance.
“I love these people up here. I love them! And I couldn’t have made it without them. It’s a joy to work here. Pure joy.”
Watch Robert’s reaction in the video below when he’s given the good news. It’s priceless!
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