Everyday heroes: “Kindness always has ripple effects!”

When Walter Carr’s car died and he decided to walk the 20 miles to his new job, he never imagined the outpouring of generosity that would come his way

What am I going to do? Walter Carr worried, as frustration knotted his stomach. The 20-yearold Birmingham, Alabama, college student had found a great new job with a moving company that he was starting in the morning…o nly now, his car wouldn’t start.

I can’t miss my first day, I need this job, Walter thought. I have to get there! But the client he was moving lived 20 miles away! Rent had eaten up every cent Walter had, so taking a cab or bus wasn’t an option. And none of his buddies could give him a lift that morning.

I’ve got one option, Walter realized. I’ ll have to walk.

After dinner, Walter took a power nap, then set out from his home around midnight.

Mile after mile, Walter walked alone in the darkness. But by 4 am, his feet were throbbing and legs shaky, so he sat down on a curb to rest.

Just then, a police car pulled up. “Are you okay?” the concerned officer asked.

“Yes, sir,” Walter replied, and explained his situation.

“Wow!” the officer gasped, impressed by Walter’s sense of responsibility. “Get in,” he said, and took Walter to get some breakfast before driving him to his destination.

When they arrived at Jenny Lamey’s house, the officer told her about Walter’s all-night trek to report for work.

“What an amazing young man!” Jenny marveled, tears filling her eyes at Walter’s incredible work ethic.

Then she watched in awe as Walter loaded boxes and furniture all day, without a break or complaint. The next day, she called Walter’s boss at Bellhops Moving and sang his praises.

Jenny posted the story on Facebook and started a Gofundme campaign to help Walter with his car repairs. But Bellhops’ CEO, Luke Marklin, had an idea of his own.

He arranged to meet Walter, and after thanking him for a job well done, Luke led Walter to a 2014 Ford Escape.

“Walter is so humble and kindhearted, he inspires us all to do more for others,” says Jenny

Handing him the keys, Luke said, “This is my family’s car, but I want you to have it.”

Walter was dumbstruck. “Seriously?” he stammered.

“You deserve it,” Luke said. “Our company sets a really high bar for heart and grit, and you just blew it away.”

Now that Walter had a new car, Jenny was going to close out the Gofundme account, but after reading Walter’s story on social media, she was thrilled when people insisted on still helping the hardworking young man— donating $ 67,000 in just a few days!

Walter was overwhelmed, but true to his character, he gave $25,000 to a local organization that mentors teens. “I want kids to know that nothing is impossible,” says Walter. “I didn’t expect such generosity, and it felt so good to give back. I’m truly grateful.”

“It did my heart good to reward Walter for his dedication and hard work,” says Luke, as he gave Walter ( left) the car