When a gas station cashier requested a Lyft ride, he had no idea his life was about to turn around.
Ed Hays, a 28-year-old father of a little boy, was a cashier at a gas station.
His job was anything but close to home, and he had to do the graveyard shift, but the man was just happy to have a job and be able to provide for his small family.
David Daniels, a 29-year-old man who worked in sales and also played music, used to be a part-time Lyft driver at the time. So, it happened to be him who drove Hays to his job on that rainy November day.
“It was about 6 o’clock at night and it was pouring rain,” Daniels told Good Morning America. “On rainy days, people are normally in a foul mood. [Hays] came in [my car] … he was so excited. I asked, ‘How’s your night going?’ He said, ‘It couldn’t be better. I just found out I got promoted at my job to lead cashier.'”
Daniels, who had been facing problems with his job at the time due to the Covid-19 pandemic, was encouraged by Hay’s positive attitude, especially when he found out more details about his story.
So, as the man explained, he walked 5.7 miles each way to the gas station every day because paying for a ride would be a luxury that he couldn’t afford.
Daniels was so touched by the man’s story and impressed by his work ethic that he decided to do something to help him.
So, he posted a video on TikTok talking about their encounter. The video soon went viral with more than 100k views.
Also, the driver started a GoFundMe page, after arranging with some friends of his who owned a used car dealership to get a car for Hays for $5,500.
People were so moved by the young man’s story that they donated for his cause and soon raised the money needed to buy the car.
On top of that, another $3,200 was raised, which- as Daniels made clear- would be given to Hays directly.
So, a little while later, Daniels surprised his new friend with the car, a 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Hays couldn’t believe it, his surprise was obvious, but so was his excitement that the walking days would soon be a thing of the past.
Hays, who also works at a restaurant prepping meals, said that he was looking forward to giving his son a ride in their new car. He also said that he was ready to pursue his dream of owning a restaurant.
Also, the cashier had a message to send to those hearing his story. As he says, one should never give up.
Indeed, he proved that hard work, dedication, and positive thinking can help you turn your life around. Especially if kind people support you.
Head over to the video below to find out more details on this heartwarming story!
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