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Dunkin' Donuts employee and her 3 kids were homeless following eviction—then a loyal customer gave her the ultimate gift

The customer noticed that the employee didn't turn up to work, learned that she was struggling and immediately knew what she had to do.

BY ANGELINA DSOUZA

PUBLISHED 11 HOURS AGO

(L) Dunkin' Donut employee Ebony Johnson hugs Suzanne Burke after receiving gift, (R) Ebony Johnson gets emotional on seeing surprise gift from customer (Cover Image Source: YouTube| WCPO 9)

We can make a difference with the smallest interactions we make. Even while ordering food at the drive-thru or entering a building after greeting a guard, each encounter can leave an impact on a person’s life. Dunkin’ Donuts employee Ebony Johnson had a life-changing experience after coming across a customer, Suzanne Burke, per TODAY. The woman, who is also a mom of 3 and works at the drive-thru of the donut store, bonded with the customer most profoundly. This bond moved to a whole new level when Burke learned that Johnson and her kids were evicted from their home.

Dunkin' Donuts drive-thru order received and palced on top of car. (Representative Image Source: Pexels| Photo by Mumtaz Niazi)

Working at the outlet for three years, the employee was having quite a tough time getting by with her kids. With financial struggles and housing problems, the woman faced dilemmas that had her drowning behind her smile. She recalled wanting to “give up.” "I cried. I come to work every day and nobody knows what I'm going through because I always try to have a smile for our customers,” the employee said. After interacting with Burke, Johnson felt light and was glad to know someone was kind enough to hear her out. Things got worse when Johnson was evicted in 2020 and had to jump from one place to another just so they could have some shelter.

Friendly woman assisting customer at food outlet. (Representative Image Source: Pexels| Photo by Andrea Piacquadio)

Juggling between relatives and other crumpled spaces, the woman tried her best to look out for her kids. "It's so much that we've been through. I just keep going. I think about my kids every day. I can't give up because then what is going to happen to them?" she reflected. Despite not having a home, the woman made ends meet as much as possible. Burke was a loyal customer and friend by now. She noticed that Johnson didn’t turn up to work for 3 weeks and learned something was off. She then reached out to help more. Working with social organizations, Burke offered to help the mom in any way that was possible. With no options to support her, Johnson obliged.

Woman proudly holding keys to new home. (Representative Image Source: Pexels| Photo by Gustavo Fring)

The customer pulled a few strings and managed to get Johnson and her kids the gift of a lifetime—a well-furnished home, per WCPO 9. Seeking help from social organizations and companies she was in contact with, the woman got a home in Cincinnati for her beloved Dunkin’ employee. When she learned that Johnson had no furniture, she even partnered with a design team to furnish the space and turn it into a ready home. “I just wanted to see if I could help her improve her life and the life of her kids,” Burke noted.

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Just in time for Christmas, the customer surprised Johnson and her kids with the home. Bringing her and her kids to the new space, Burke was met with hugs, tears and excited smiles from the family. “I can’t believe this, I’m so happy,” Johnson exclaimed as she broke down into Burke’s arms for the unexpected gift. “I’m just so thankful that we’re back on our own. The Lord looked after me because I kept praying for a home before Christmas,” she added.