Not much was known about the elderly homeless man sleeping in his old Chevrolet pickup in the parking lot at Lowe’s. He had been in the area for several weeks and some of the clerks felt sorry for him and would take him hot food every now and then.

One morning last week, he came in the store and asked Joseph Simpkins, a department manager, if someone could help him jump start his pickup. Simpkins took another employee and tried to start the pickup, but soon discovered the battery was shot. That’s when Simpkins noticed that everything the old man had was in the back of his truck.

Simpkins sensed that although the old man had never asked for help in the time he stayed in the parking lot, he needed much more than a jump start. No one knows what his name is, but they found out he was from the Dallas area and was trying to get to his sister’s home in Oklahoma City for the holidays.

When Simpkins came back in the store he told his co-workers what he had learned about the old man. Within minutes, they quickly collected almost $200 to buy a new battery, blankets, food and gas money so he could continue on his journey. The old man was very grateful for the help he had received and headed out with a feeling no doubt that something like a miracle had just occurred.

Helping out those less fortunate in the community is nothing new for the local Lowe’s employees. They normally adopt a single family and give them a fabulous Christmas. This year they decided to spread their generosity around and help more families.

“We picked up 50 Angels from the Angel Tree to let employees who wanted to, to volunteer to help,” said Simpkins. “Those were snatched up so fast we went back and picked up ten more.”

The employees also collected more than $1,500 for the Shop with a Cop Program that will help nine families have a memorable Christmas. They also ask each employee to bring an unwrapped toy for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots.

Christmas will be a little better this year in many different ways for a lot of people because of the Lowe’s employees. Knowing they have made a difference and brought smiles to the faces of children and helped an old man continue his journey will also make their holiday spirit shine a little brighter.