By: Jarret Romanello, info@stluciepost.com
Good Samaritans of St. Lucie County are returning a dishwasher’s generosity after he gave selflessly to others in need.
It all started when Tucker Barlow, 20, of Fort Pierce, filled a St. Lucie Sheriff’s PAL Toy Run Box at the Pot Beli Deli with gifts using money he was saving to buy a car. Dishwasher Fills Toy Box for Kids In Need – THE ST. LUCIE POST (stluciepost.com)
Tucker received a holiday toy drive gift from a police officer as a kid. He remembers having a difficult childhood when he used to rely on gifts from others and knew he wanted to give back. “He didn’t think twice about it and brought toys in right away,” said Lisa Spagnuolo, owner of the Pot Belli Deli in Ft Pierce, where Tucker is employed.
When the St Lucie Post reported on Tucker’s gracious act, calls to help him came from several supporters of the PAL Program.
When Tucker finished work on Tuesday, PAL supporters were there to show him their appreciation for his desire to help less fortunate kids with gifts.
Howard Dunn of the Dunn’s Kids Foundation wants to make sure Tucker never has to walk to work again. So he bought him a shiny new bicycle. Dunn was happy to see this young man helping kids and wants Tucker to continue his good deeds. “Now he can get around quickly to help more kids,” Dunn said.
Travis Walker, a local attorney, believes the world needs more people like Tucker. He purchased Tucker a helmet to safely ride his new bike to work and is rooting for him to succeed despite his past. “The world needs more good, and Tucker needs our help,” Walker said.
Yvonne Poindexter of the Britney Lee Foundation gave Tucker $500 to save for his car. Poindexter was happy to see Tucker provide toys for kids but doesn’t want his kindness to interfere with his car savings goal. “We lend you our helping hand in the spirit of Britney Lee,” Yvonne told Tucker.
And instead of walking, Tucker rode his new bike home.
Because a police officer gave Tucker a toy when he was a kid, Tucker is now giving back, and a community supports him.
Sometimes it’s the small acts of kindness that make the most significant difference.