A community has rallied around an elderly delivery driver after a doorbell camera captured him struggling to make a food delivery, prompting an outpouring of support online.
The man, identified as Richard, was filmed walking up a driveway to deliver a Starbucks order to a home in Manchester, Tennessee, on March 10.
Footage from the homeowner’s Ring camera shows Richard carefully making his way up the curved path while carrying the order.
Dressed in a red flannel shirt and khaki pants, he grips the handrail as he climbs the steps before quietly placing the bag at the front door and leaving.
The moment struck the homeowner, Brittany Smith, who later set out to find the driver so she could give him a larger tip.
During their conversation, she learned Richard had begun delivering for DoorDash to earn extra money after his wife recently lost her job.
After paying bills and covering medication costs, the couple had been left with little money, prompting him to take on the work.
“He is precious, and he is not working because he wants to, he’s working because he has to,” Smith wrote on Facebook.
Smith set up a GoFundMe campaign with the goal of helping Richard return to retirement.
The fundraiser initially aimed to raise $20,000, but donations quickly surpassed that target as people were moved by his story. Within days, the campaign had attracted close to $280,000 in donations.
Many donors also left messages of encouragement for Richard and his wife.
“God Bless you and your wife!! No one your age should have to be out delivering. Enjoy your retirement,” one person wrote on the fundraiser.
“You’re everything a partner should be. A hero for his wife,” a nearby business, Harvey’s ATV Parts, wrote in the comments.
“You’ve inspired people to open their hearts for our elders. We hope this helps your path to rest and relaxation as you should be enjoying in these years. Sending all the best, Harvey.”
The business also donated $1,000 to the campaign.
Others shared similar sentiments.
“I hope and pray you and your wife can take some time to relax and not have to worry about things for a while. Enjoy!” another donor wrote.
Images: Facebook
