Mom Walks 6 Miles to Work Every Day for Her Kids–Until Sheriff Helps Her Get New Van for Christmas

Mom Walks 6 Miles to Work Every Day for Her Kids–Until Sheriff Helps Her Get New Van for Christmas
(Courtesy of Franklin County Sheriff’s Office)
Jenni Julander
12/23/2020
Updated:
12/23/2020

A young mom from Franklin County, Kansas, was walking 6 miles every day to get to work. But this month, she received a Christmas gift to remember: a van to speed her off to work and keep her warm and safe.

After community members noticed the 24-year-old woman walking alongside the highway no matter how cold it was outside, some of them expressed concern to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.

NBC reported that deputies investigated the situation only to discover that the woman was walking 6 miles one way to get to work, and another 6 miles to get home each day along the 59 Highway between Princeton and Ottawa.
(Courtesy of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/franklincoksso/">Franklin County Sheriff’s Office</a>)
(Courtesy of Franklin County Sheriff’s Office)

The woman told deputies that she had no choice but to make the long trek to the truck stop so she could provide for her two children.

They knew they had to do something to help her.

Several times after receiving concerned calls from well-meaning citizens, the deputies gave her a ride to work. But they knew this wasn’t enough to help her in the long run.

So, community members, deputies at the Sheriff’s Office, and Love’s Truck Stop partnered together to deliver the ultimate Christmas surprise.

Between community and personal donations, as well as “No Shave November” funds donated by some local businesses, they raised enough to cover the cost of a van, vehicle registration and a year’s worth of car insurance, two new car seats, a gift card, and some cash.

(Courtesy of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/franklincoksso/">Franklin County Sheriff’s Office</a>)
(Courtesy of Franklin County Sheriff’s Office)

On Dec. 15, those involved in the fundraiser surprised the woman at Love’s Truck Stop, bringing her an early Christmas gift that’s bound to change her quality of life for the better.

“I am very proud of the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Jeff Richards stated on Facebook. “This is not just something they did, this shows who they are. I am proud of who they are! This is an example of their commitment to serve our community.”

The sheriff’s office thanked Bill Crowley, John and Erin Coffman, Napa Auto Parts, Ripples of Change, T&W Sanitation, and the sheriff’s deputies, who chose to remain anonymous.

(Courtesy of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/franklincoksso/">Franklin County Sheriff’s Office</a>)
(Courtesy of Franklin County Sheriff’s Office)
Jenni Julander is a writer based in the Rocky Mountains, where she received her writing education. She covers human interest and trending news for The Epoch Times.
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