Fuquay-Varina neighborhood surprises beloved recycle driver

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Barbara Gibbs Image
Thursday, November 8, 2018
Fuquay-Varina neighbors surprise beloved recycle driver
A neighborhood in Fuquay-Varina surprised its favorite recycle driver, Aaron Christian, with a large check to help him repair his car.

FUQUAY-VARINA, N.C. (WTVD) -- Last week we introduced you to a toddler in Fuquay-Varina whose best friend is the neighborhood recycle driver. Since then, we've learned a lot about that driver, Mr. Aaron.

Aaron Christian is a Marine Corps veteran, a husband and father of four, who overcame homelessness. Unfortunately, his family is struggling yet again.

RELATED: Fuquay-Varina toddler dresses up as neighborhood hero -- the recycle truck driver -- for Halloween

The family car broke down and left Christian's kids without a way to school and even left Christian without a way to get to his recycling routes that start before sunrise.

When Brock's mom, Mallory Oosterhouse, posted the need on Facebook, it set off a firestorm.

Fuquay-Varina neighborhood surprises beloved recycle driver

People from Wisconsin to Texas and all over the Triangle pitched in, raising $5,275. Area business donated gift cards for restaurants and so much more, including $250 for Christmas gifts for Christian's kids.

"It doesn't matter if it was $5, $7 to $250 donation. When people join forces for the good, you can change lives," said Mallory Oosterhouse.

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While a local mechanic is fixing Christian's car for free, someone else gifted a car to the family so they can have transportation now. Christian, overcome with emotion, wept.

"I'll be telling this to my grandkids," he said. "I'll tell this to my church. I have a testimony. When you're down to your lowest He'll send someone that you don't know."