A Tiffy Taffy Highlight Story: Sometimes there are stories that are just too good, too beautiful, or too unbelievable to keep locked away. That’s why we scour the archives and bring some of them back to enjoy again. They may make you smile or shed a tear, but they’re always meant to add a little positivity to your day. This story is from February 2020. Enjoy!
When an institution has people like Robert Reed- it tends to succeed. The now 62-year-old janitor was in the news a couple of years ago- and for good reason. This janitor works quite tirelessly while ensuring that he is always approachable. In 2020, Reed had been working as a janitor at the Farmington Elementary School in Germantown. At the time, he had only been working a few months, but it didn’t take much time for him to become a school favorite, students and faculty alike. In fact, Robert was known for being quite active even after his job ended. But there was just a single thing about him that people didn’t know. Robert didn’t own a vehicle.
The faculty at the school soon realized that the janitor had been taking multiple buses and walking miles to reach the school each day. But one fateful Wednesday, his life soon changed for the better. His coworkers had raised thousands of dollars for him to purchase a truck. With such a guiding light shining at him, it was quite natural for him to fall to his knees. Elizabeth Malone, one of the first-grade teachers, went on to organize a GoFundMe for Robert. Within 24hrs, they had raised $7,000 and by the end of it all, they had accumulated over $49,000. Malone then stated, “We just want to model to our kids that when you see a need, you should reach out and help them.”
Janitor’s Coworkers Raise Cash For Him To Buy A Truck
Robert agreed that a vehicle would definitely make his life easier. “Let’s see I get off at 3 pm. I would get home at about 7 because I stay in Millbranch and Winchester. I have to catch three buses and walk about two miles.” One would think that the janitor would take a job closer to home. But Robert stated that the people in this school were like family to him. “I love these people up here. I love them. I couldn’t have made it without them. Yes, it’s a joy to work here. Joy. Pure joy.”
His coworkers did have an inkling that this janitor had some transportation problems. Previously, a couple of them had also driven him to the bus stop. Some of them had also given him money for lunches. Robert had been looking toward starting a yard business. Back in 2020, he believed that it would supplement his income. But he just had a small problem- he had no vehicle.
But now, with a truck in tow, one can hope that this janitor is making the best use of the gift- and living life to the fullest.
Sources
- “Germantown elementary school raises thousands for janitor to buy vehicle.” WREG Memphis. Shay Arthur. February 19, 2020.
- “Transportation for Mr. Reed.” Go Fund Me. February 18, 2020.
