In South Bend, Indiana, an elderly man’s truck had become a local legend, resembling a quirky mix of parts and patches. This 2000 Chevy Silverado, with its collection of dents and mismatched panels, drew attention and curiosity wherever Mo Riles drove it.
Locals often reacted with disbelief as they spotted the vehicle. “I thought it was A.I. and didn’t know if it was real,” remarked one diner. Another observer commented, “It’s unbelievable how the thing even moves!” A woman also shared, “I did a double take because I couldn’t believe the sight of it.”
As the truck gained notoriety, social media users couldn’t resist making jokes about its condition. Comments like “Where is the duct tape when you need it?” and “Looks like the Hulk smashed it…” flooded the internet. Despite the humor, Mo knew that his truck was functional. Indiana doesn’t mandate vehicle inspections, and with recent health challenges, he simply didn’t have the means to replace it.
Then, Colin Crowel, owner of Carguys Auto Detailing, came across a photo of the truck and saw beyond the jokes. Recognizing that the owner likely needed support rather than ridicule, Colin decided to take action. “I just thought there’s gotta be something more to why this truck looks like this,” he said, realizing that a deeper story lay behind the battered vehicle.
Colin launched a crowdfunding campaign, aiming to raise funds to help Mo. He wrote on the GoFundMe page, “The vehicle is dangerously broken, literally falling apart, and has been seen in parking lots looking immobile—yet somehow, Mo manages to drive it day after day.” He called upon the community to come together and make a meaningful change in Mo’s life.
The response was heartwarming. Donations began to pour in from people across northwest Indiana and beyond, with over 500 individuals contributing to raise more than $26,000 for Mo.
Recently, Mo’s trusty old truck made its final journey as it was driven to a local Chevy dealership. There, he received a bright, new 2019 Chevy Silverado, a stark contrast to his previous vehicle. The transformation brought tears to his eyes as he reflected on the kindness he received from the community.
Now, parked in his driveway, Mo has a stunning new reminder of the compassion and generosity that surrounds him. “That’s the part that knocked me over, man,” he expressed, overwhelmed with gratitude. “Here are human beings seeing…”
