I want to turn an awful situation into something amazing for a struggling mother we first met last night. Yesterday, an Uber Eats driver, Maricia, came to deliver food, and as she walked up our long, sloped driveway, her young autistic son—who looked to be about three to five years old—climbed into the driver’s seat of her car. In a split second, he managed to put the car in gear, and (with him inside) it rolled quickly down the long driveway, breaking through a large stone mailbox before eventually coming to a stop on the neighbor’s lawn. The car was badly damaged (the entire rear windshield shattered, part of the rear fell off, etc). While they were all shaken, thankfully no one was hurt.

While waiting for help to arrive, I learned more about the driver’s situation. She explained that she brings her son with her on deliveries because she has no other option—she’s a single mother, and her financial situation is so tight that she can’t afford childcare. I am sure her son’s autism adds another layer of challenge, and now, with her car severely damaged, I'm concerned she’s lost her main source of income. Our hearts broke when we heard the story and thought about the difficulties this overwhelming setback will cause her and her child.

My hope is that, together, we can raise enough money to fully cover her car repairs and give her some extra support so she doesn’t have to struggle to the point of bringing her son along while she works. I want to turn this awful situation into something positive for her and her child. If you’re able to help, your support will make a real difference in their lives. Thank you for considering a donation to help this mother and her son.