This act was deeply touching, serving as a testament to the remarkable impact that a small community can achieve in a short span of time…
The citizens of Tappahannock, Virginia, demonstrated what it means to be a sincere, caring person in October 2021 when they banded together to help a neighbor. Several of them had been regulars at a fast-food restaurant nearby and were used to seeing one of the senior staff members there almost every day. Drive-through employee Lisa Bateman usually arrived at work with a smile on her face and a friendly hello for each of her customers.
The people in the neighborhood adored and appreciated Bateman for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary by never forgetting her customers or their wishes. She recognized them just by hearing their voices over the drive-thru intercom.
Jason Cunningham and Jaki Vazquez were two frequent customers at the fast food restaurant who had gotten accustomed to seeing Bateman and had always enjoyed her company — even if it was just for a brief period. When they realized that the 60-year-old woman traveled a mile to work every day along Tappahannock Boulevard, they decided they wanted to do something special to show how much they cared about her.
The community set up a GoFundMe page for Bateman in the hopes that they could raise enough money to help her and guarantee that she would never again have to go to work inclement weather. When the senior employee realized how shocked she had been, she broke down in tears. To discover more about this moving story, keep reading.
Customers at the Burger King in Tappahannock were used to seeing Bateman operating the drive-thru window while always grinning. “You walk through the drive-thru at any given moment, and she’s just as kind,” Cunningham told WTVR.
Since 1987, Bateman has worked in a fast-food restaurant, and she allegedly adores her job, according to WTVR. But she had to go a mile to work every day for seven years. Bateman lost her car after being dismissed from a second job, but she never lost her positive approach.
I see her walking a lot, so I thought it would be nice to help someone in our neighborhood, said Cunningham.
Bateman’s neighborhood raised a little over $4,200 for her through a GoFundMe campaign. According to WTVR, 135 people gave in less than two weeks. The money was used to buy Bateman a new car, and the people in the area made sure to give her any spare coin to help with the insurance.
One day in October 2021, they gave Bateman a low-mileage maroon 2007 Buick after her shift.
Vazquez stated to Bateman as she handed him the keys to her new vehicle, “We as a town of Tappahannock wanted to present you a few thanks for your hard work, for always bringing us positive energy.”
Immediately, Bateman’s anguish overcame him, and he cried out, “Oh my God! Thank you very much! The interaction between the employee and her dedicated clientele was heartwarming. According to Vazquez, a tiny community was able to gather all of this money in less than two weeks. “It just shows she is respected,”
In the heartwarming tale of Tappahannock, a simple act of kindness blossomed into an extraordinary display of solidarity and compassion. Lisa Bateman’s unwavering dedication and warm demeanor touched the lives of many, inspiring an entire community to come together and make a difference. This remarkable story serves as a powerful reminder that even in the midst of everyday routines, we have the ability to uplift and support those around us. The spirit of generosity and empathy can transform lives, fostering a sense of belonging and reminding us of the strength that lies within communities united by kindness.