Samuel James, a high school custodian who has been walking to work ever since his car broke down, was recently surprised with a Toyota Highlander SUV from a colleague, sparking an emotional moment that was captured on video.
The tear-jerking gift came from Deborah Pippin, an English teacher at Citronelle High School in Alabama. While James was saving up to buy a new car after his engine gave out, Pippin was looking for someone to take a 10-year-old car off her hands. Citronelle principal Randy Campbell, who heard about James’ problem and Pippin’s goal, connected the two employees.
"I was in a conversation with Mr. and Mrs. Pippin, and was talking about some recent purchases," Campbell told WALA. "They'd bought a couple of new vehicles, and they had this Highlander that they wanted to give to somebody and asked if I knew anybody, and I said 'sure,' Sam was the first one in mind."
James was moved to tears when he received the gift.
"I've known this family for a good eight, nine years that I've been here. And they've always been good to me," the custodian said. "And I'm just thankful that the Lord sent them my way and let me get this right here. And I'm blessed to have this, and blessed to have them as real good friends, the Pippins."
The car had sentimental value for the Pippins, who used the vehicle to bring their children home from the hospital. But the family was happy to give away the car to someone they know.
"I just can't think of somebody better to be able to give it to, and it's going to be very special to see him have it," Pippin said.
The tear-jerking moment received more than 300 comments after people saw the video on Facebook on Monday.
“This is amazing, brings me to tears cause he is the most amazing and sweetest man, always putting a smile on students' faces as long as I’ve known him!” one person wrote.
According to NBC15, James has been working at Citronelle for 12 years.
"Our custodian Samuel James has been without a vehicle for some time, and has also been down with an injury recently," the school wrote. "We at Citronelle High wanted to help him out and get him back on his feet. Thank you Sam for all your years of service and for keeping our athletic facilities and our grounds in great shape!"
