Jim Ford says he’s traveled all over the St. Louis area repossessing cars for banks. But when he recently showed up to the home of Stan and Pat Kipping in nearby Red Bud, Illinois he wasn’t prepared for what he saw.
“You know, it was just one of those repo’s. My grandparents are gone, but you know – I could see them. I knew what was going on,” Ford said.
“Their medications have doubled-tripled, and I know that. I know what’s happening to everybody. I knew why they were behind.”
Ford said he had to repossess his car, but as he left their home he also called the bank and told them something had to be done. That’s when he set up a GoFundMe account for the couple to pay off their car.
In just eight hours, he’d raised almost all of the money needed thanks to people’s donations. But he’s not done. “I think I might just reactivate it, because there are a lot of people who keep asking to donate,” Ford said.
A few days later, Stan and Pat Kipping got their car back. “It’s just like hitting the lottery,” Stan Kipping said. “I’m just so happy, I can’t believe it.”
The elderly couple also say they owe money to a local grocery store and local pharmacy, but plan to pay it back now that some of the burden is lifted.
After writing about so many messed up things in the world, it’s nice to come across a story like this one. Way to go Mr. Jim Ford.