An 8-year-old boy in Arkansas took it upon himself to help his favorite Waffle House server by raising funds through GoFundMe, so the hardworking man could get back on his feet.
Created through his mother, Vittoria Hunter, Kayzen, 8, requested help from strangers via GoFundMe to raise money for Devonte Gardner, a worker at a Waffle House in the Little Rock area.
Garnder is described as a hard worker and a “nice person” who smiles a lot. But, unfortunately, Gardner’s life isn’t all smiles.
“Right now, I’m working to get a car working and be able to move my daughters out of the hotel we’re staying in right now,” Gardner explained.
According to GoFundMe, Gardner has a wife and two young daughters. His family once lived in an apartment with black mold, causing his daughters to get sick. He moved his family into a hotel, costing about $60 a night, setting him back.
Any money he gets from working hard, he puts toward his children.
Due to not having a car, the Waffle House worker either walks or finds a ride to work daily. In addition to finding the family a suitable place to rent, Kayzen and his family are collecting funds to purchase Gardner a car.
“It just be a blessing,” Gardner told WLTX. “You know, I’m always counting my blessings, always. Thanks. Anything that anybody gives me. So this is…it made me almost cry.”
The GoFundMe asked for $5,000 and raised a little over $30,000. Kayzen is still collecting donations.
“Devonte is one of the most joyous and positive people you’ve ever met!! He always greets us with the biggest smile. I hope your heart is as BIG as mine, and you will help me spread kindness in the world. Any amount helps,” Kayzen said
Kayzen’s father said his son finds joy in helping others without expecting anything back.
“It just feels good to help someone,” he concluded.
