Scot rode a Greyhound bus who then lost his bike
GLADSTONE -- Imagine being down and out and needing a helping hand. There are many in our own communities who are in need, and charities like St. Vincent de Paul come to their aid to feed, clothe, and care for them. St. Vincent's has a strict policy of protecting clients' privacy. However, client Scot Carlile, a new Gladstone resident, agreed to come forward to share his powerful story.
“I think the fact that I’m in a state where there's a 10 percent unemployment rate,” says Carlile. “I try not to fight that. I make enough to survive off of, so I make do with what little I have. As far as what other people feel about me, that's ok, too."
He's been dealing with some tough circumstances that include being on disability and separating from his wife just recently.
After a Greyhound bus trip, he discovered the bus line lost his only mode of transportation: a bike.
Carlile came into St. Vincent's for warm clothes and food. The charity heard his story and contacted the owner of Brampton Bike and Ski, who made sure Carlile's bike was replaced.
“This is a pretty small thing for me,” says Brampton Bike and Ski owner, Michael Williams. “I just got teary-eyed in the process of that. The community steps up for me; I needed to do this. This was easy."
How does Carlile feel?
“Everyday is a gift. And so you never know what life throws at you each and every day," Carlile says.
Bob Hites, member of the St. Vincent store board, says contacting the bike shop on Scot's behalf hits close to home.
“I have a problem when I go home,” explains Hites. “And every time I work, I think, why am I so blessed? And we are dealing with people who have next to nothing."
Hites says it's easy to help out. Donate, or better yet, volunteer your time.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWLUC