ROCKWALL, Texas – Hard work pays off -- that's the message some charitable Texans wanted to send their community when they banded together to buy a man a car.
The inspiration for the gift came last week when Rockwall resident Andy Mitchell picked up a man named Justin he saw while driving. Mitchell posted a picture to Facebook, praising Justin for his determination to get to work despite the 3-mile commute.
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"To all the people that say they want to work but can't find a job or don't have a vehicle all I can say is you don't want it bad enough," Mitchell wrote on Facebook.
Meet my friend justin! I picked this boy up this am and gave him a ride to work at taco casa. He told me he walks 3...
Posted by Andy Mitchell on Wednesday, June 21, 2017
That same day, Mitchell and his wife set up a donation box at Samee's Pizza Getti Restaurant in Rockwall.
Within 48 hours, enough money was raised to buy Justin a car and a $500 gas card. Mitchell said they will buy Justin a full year of insurance with the rest of the donations.
"Everyone who has helped with this are amazing and you just helped a hardworking young man out with all your generosity," Mitchell wrote in a Facebook post.
I can't say how thankful I am for the outpouring of donations for justin. Sammie and I purchased this car this morning...
Posted by Andy Mitchell on Thursday, June 22, 2017
The Mitchell family, Samee Dowlatshahi, owner of Samee's Pizza Getti Restaurant, along with other members of the Rockwall community surprised Justin with the car when he got off work from Taco Casa last Friday.
Mitchell's wife recorded the surprise. At the beginning of the video, Justin and Mitchell walk out of Taco Casa side by side until they get to the group of people waiting next to Justin's new car.
Mitchell can be heard explaining the reason for the crowd, mentioning his initial selfie with the Taco Casa employee just two days before and the generosity from the community. Finally, Mitchell points to the white Toyota and says, "Instead of you walking to work, buddy, you're driving this car from now on."
The small crowd begins to cheer and Justin and Mitchell hug before Justin checks out his new wheels.
"Are you serious?" Justin asks with his hand on the handle to the driver's side door.
Watch the big reveal below...
Posted by Mandi Morton Mitchell on Friday, June 23, 2017
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