Recently, I received an email from a listener named Stephanie Lynch. Stephanie had been so moved by an act of generosity on the part of one of her co-workers that she felt compelled to reach out to WHUD to tell us about it. She told me about a local school bus driver who donated his time and resources to building an access ramp for a resident in Washingtonville.

His name is Jeff Golden. Golden, a Beacon native, drives students for Orange County Transit in Wappingers Falls. 

(Bus driver Jeff Golden; courtesy Stephanie Lynch)

According to Stephanie, Jeff built the ramp for a special needs individual named Madison. Jeff reportedly noticed Madison's family home didn't possess the proper equipment needed to safely and conveniently transport her inside and outside. Up until recently, Madison was being carried to and from her school bus. That was until Golden, upon knowing Madison's family for less than a week, used his own money, materials, and time to construct the ramp. The project cost about $600, according to Stephanie, and Jeff refused to take a single penny in return.

(courtesy Stephanie Lynch)

Madison and her family now have a much better quality of life because a fellow member of the community took an interest in their situation, no questions asked. To echo Stephanie Lynch's sentiments, this is the kind of feel good story we need right now. Hopefully, Jeff's actions inspire you to be of service to someone you know who might be in need. Thank you, Jeff! You're a hero! And thanks to Stephanie for sharing this story with us. We're truly grateful.