It all started with a simple conversation between the custodian, Francis Apraku, and a few students. When asked what he wished for on his birthday, he mentioned his desire for a Jeep Wrangler—a vehicle he had always wanted but never thought he could afford. What he didn’t realize was that this brief conversation would spark a heartwarming movement among the students.
In the weeks leading up to his birthday, a few students asked Apraku what his dream gift would be. He mentioned that he had always wanted a Jeep Wrangler but could never afford one. That comment sparked something in the students, and they immediately launched a GoFundMe campaign, determined to make it happen.
Determined to show their appreciation, the students launched a GoFundMe with the goal of raising enough money to make their custodian’s dream come true. “Ever since we met him, he’s been incredibly kind and friendly. He even says prayers for us sometimes,” the students wrote in the fundraiser description.
When we learned he’d always wanted a Jeep but couldn’t afford one, we knew we had to do something.”
One of the students, Logan Georgelas, explained how quickly the effort gained momentum. “We just decided to try and get him his Jeep with the GoFundMe, but we never expected it to take off like it did,” Logan said. “When we raised $5,000 in the first day, we realized it was actually happening.”
When the big day arrived, the students teamed up with a local dealership and arranged for a bright red Jeep Wrangler to be delivered. As they gathered in the school parking lot, waiting for Apraku to step outside, the excitement was palpable.
When the custodian saw the Jeep and realized it was for him, he was overcome with emotion. Tears streamed down his face, and Apraku dropped to the ground in disbelief. The outpouring of love from the students moved him beyond words.
“I will give thanks to Almighty God for making today happen. Today is a great day for me, and I didn’t believe this would ever happen in my life,” Apraku said. “This day, Sept. 9, I will never, ever forget.”
It all started as a simple wish, but through the kindness and determination of the students, the custodian’s dream came true in the most amazing way. “We really didn’t expect the campaign to get this big,” Georgelas said. “But we’re so happy we were able to do this for him.”
