Troy Henderson has been the custodian at Fillmore Elementary in Oklahoma City for about a decade. In addition to being a hard worker, he’s known for his positive attitude and for handing out Jolly Ranchers to students.
But a few months ago, Henderson said his car broke down. Initially, he had other people drive him to work. But that proved to be unreliable.
He said, “Not everybody wants to get up at 5 o’clock in the morning to bring you to work.”
Henderson, lives in Moore, a suburb of Oklahoma City. When he had trouble getting rides to work he began walking to and from work every day, a round trip of about five hours. He did that for a week.
Henderson said, “I’m going to work, regardless. I’ve got to be here for the kids.”
After hearing about Henderson’s transportation problems, Fillmore Elementary Principal Cindy Lang created a GoFundMe page to buy Henderson another car.
Lang said, “He is always happy and joyful, and everyone loves him here. So, when I heard that he had walked to work, I just couldn’t stand that for him.”
As of Friday, Lang’s fundraiser collected more than $11,000. A portion was used to buy Henderson a car and the remaining amount will be used for repairs, insurance, gas cards, vehicle registration and other necessities.
Some of the school’s former students can be found on the list of donors showing how loved he is.