UPDATE:

William received a new chair donation from Marc's Mobility Store here in Lakeland. That was so generous of his family-owned company! I can't say how thankful William and myself are for that . William is still in need of medical supplies for his legs and money to eat daily. I'm still hoping for future donations for his needs. So far the GoFundMe money has went to him in cash for him to eat. Also some medical supplies for his legs. And to get him a phone. Anything else donated will still completely go to William. Thank you in advance and God bless!

This sweet gentleman's name is William Tice. I met him at Walmart last week when he was trying to maneuver a sidewalk that goes down between parking aisles, and at any given time, there are buggies all over the place on the sidewalk. I got out of my car to see if I could help him to his vehicle, and he told me he had no vehicle. As we went on talking, I found out he was homeless, and I ended up talking to him that night for about 30 minutes or so. He sleeps under a bus stop shelter, and sleeps in his wheelchair near that Walmart. He goes into close-by businesses around there that will allow him to cool off in this awful heat, then at night, back to the bus stop to sleep. Everything he owns is in two bags that he carries on his wheelchair. He can only get up and down and move around a little bit if he has bars to hold him, like in a wheelchair bathroom. The thing is, he scoots around with his feet, not using the wheels, because he has one arm in a sling from a bad shoulder, and his right hand often goes numb. His legs are in poor health from lymphedema. The area of our Walmart, to both sides, is downhill. When he needs to go a little further away, he usually needs help getting back up the hill, so he can't wander very far too often. He said he doesn't ask for money but is always willing to take it if it's offered. The thing that truly impressed me with William and pulled at my heart, was that he kept telling me that he knew he would be okay because God has a plan for him. He said he has no idea what that plan is, but he knows God's got him. And I believe with some prayers and shares, we all are part of that plan. Since the night we met, I have taken him some items like snacks, an umbrella, a raincoat because of our heavy rains every afternoon, and some medicine to treat his legs. A few nights later, I asked him had he eaten, and he said it had been 2 days. I got him something to eat at IHOP and asked him if I could take these pictures and start this fundraiser with his permission, to see if enough could be raised for him a power chair. He was very excited at the prospect of a possible power chair. I would like to raise enough for him to have an electric wheelchair. Not a real expensive one. But the more that could be raised, the better the chair. He does know that some of the businesses will let him plug up and charge just like he does with his government phone. I want to be able to get him something he can manage with a lot less effort and worry. I had the thought of a scooter, but because he sleeps in his chair, a scooter doesn't have a good high backing or seat for that. You may wonder about Social Security and them getting him a chair. For a few months now, he has been without Social Security or health insurance. Something got messed up while he was in a rehab, and he ended up on the streets because he had lost both. He's trying to get it back, but someone that was going to take him to an appointment did not show up up for him. He has to reschedule, and who knows when he can get back in. Who knows how long it will take the government to get him started, to get him health care, get to a doctor for a referral, and to get him a chair. It could be such a long process. He needs something right now. He is truly suffering using the old ragged chair that he has. If this works out and he gets something and there's money left over, it will go in his pocket for groceries or a hotel room to get showers or whatever he needs. If there's not enough raised for a chair, he will still have whatever is given.

I have always been passionate about helping the homeless when I can. I've given food, blankets, coats and clothing. A little cash when I had it. I can't even begin to imagine myself in that position. I know times are not the best for everybody, and our homeless folks are the ones that suffer the most. In William's particular case, it is more concerning to me because he is confined to a wheelchair. Anything you can help with is truly appreciated and certainly a blessing for William. Let's get a big smile on William's face and get him moving up and down the streets with ease. God bless William, and God bless you all for your help!