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Single mom who worked as McDonald's cleaning lady for 13 years breaks down after opening gift from Secret Santa

The mom was struggling financially — she first had to take care of her kids alone and later, she was also looking after her daughter's kids.
UPDATED 2 DAYS AGO
(L)A McDonald's employee sweeps up in front of a restaurant. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images| Spencer Platt) (R)Senior woman opening gift from Secret Santa. (Representative Cover Image Source: Pexels | Arman Zhenikeyev)
(L)A McDonald's employee sweeps up in front of a restaurant. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images| Spencer Platt) (R)Senior woman opening gift from Secret Santa. (Representative Cover Image Source: Pexels | Arman Zhenikeyev)

We’re nearing the Christmas season and hope and light are making their way through in the most festive and warm way. This year, the festivity will be a lot more special for a single mom who has been working at McDonald's for over a decade. A local Secret Santa, with the help of East Idaho News, has made the generous decision to give out 1 million dollars to deserving people. This surprise gift is to help those in need. One of the blessed recipients is a McDonald’s cleaner named Hope who is just delighted that this gift has rekindled a joy she had long forgotten.

 Santa Claus holding gift behind back. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by VstockLCC)
Santa Claus holding gift behind back. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by VstockLCC)

In a video shared by the outlet, the backstory of the employee was revealed. The single mom of three began working at the food chain 13 years ago. Now a grandmother, she has been going strong in helping and providing for her family. With ends to meet, Hope and her daughter, who is also a single mom, both put in strenuous hours at McDonald’s. Hope works early morning shifts so her daughter can cover the rest while she tends to her grandkids. Trying hard to earn a good living, the woman still had struggles. She had been the owner of a vehicle that she’d use for errands. Unfortunately, the car she managed to afford after years of saving was “totaled” in an accident. 

Cleaning lady holding napkin. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by David Lees)
Cleaning lady holding napkin. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by David Lees)

As a last resort, she and her daughter were forced to share a vehicle and managed pickups and dropping kids school, along with going to work. The woman had to make a long walk to collect the car before she could pick her grandkids up. The best gift Hope could, therefore, receive was a vehicle to make life a little less hectic. The Secret Santa decided to give the woman just that along with registration and insurance for the same. The reporters of the media house decided to surprise Hope while she was on her shift. The video captured the heartwarming conversation the duo had. Handing over a gift-wrapped box to the worker, Hope was stunned to find $1,000 staring at her. 

An elderly happy healthy woman sits behind the wheel of a car and looks at the road. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by Maria Zotova)
An elderly happy healthy woman sits behind the wheel of a car and looks at the road. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by Maria Zotova)

Her eyes immediately lit up as she looked around in surprise. But little did she know that wasn't all. The woman was already moved to tears, immensely grateful for the gift. Already holding back tears and emotions, the woman was presented with one other gift that changed her life. Opening another box to find the keys to her new vehicle, Hope broke down. “No way,” she repeatedly exclaimed in disbelief. “Merry Christmas!” the reporter wished her. They also asked her to step out and find her new gift. She was beyond delighted to know that the car was accustomed to fitting the car seats and everything she needed. 

“This is so sweet. I was wondering what I was gonna do,” she said, with tears falling out of her eyes. Hope excitedly stepped into her new vehicle, thoughtfully looking at every part of the car. The overjoyed woman’s eyes spoke nothing but gratitude. “It’s yours, Christmas came early for you, just know how special and appreciated you are,” Hope was assured about the great start to the festive season.



 

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