Nationwide — Willie Berry, an African American man from Rankin County, Mississippi, received a new truck after his church family and neighbors raised more than $16,000 in just two days through a viral social media post.
Berry had been struggling to get to work after his old truck broke down. Without reliable transportation, he often walked or relied on others for rides.
When members of Pinelake Church shared his story online, the community responded quickly. In less than 48 hours, donations exceeded the goal, covering not only a new vehicle but also a full year of insurance.
Most recently, Berry was surprised with a Ford pickup truck at Noel Daniels Motor Company in Brandon. Surrounded by church members and neighbors, he saw the truck for the first time and thanked everyone for their support.
“I’m excited about all the people that came through,” Berry told WLBT.
Organizers described Berry as a man with a kind and gentle spirit. Amber Norsworthy, who helped lead the effort, said, “There’s just something about innocent human beings and they need to be protected and helped and loved and taken care of. And he is one of them. He is the most precious, innocent man you’ll ever meet in your life, and he needs help. He doesn’t have a lot of people, blood-related. He’s got us, though.”