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Teen's Unexpected Route Home Leads To Heroic Act Of Kindness

November 23, 2023

Today's good news story comes from Nederland, Texas.

In a heartwarming turn of events, a teenager's decision to take an unexpected route home resulted in a heroic act of kindness that has left the community buzzing with gratitude.

Elijah Champion (right) / Credit: KFDM News

Elijah Champion had visited Market Basket on Nederland Avenue to pick up a job application. On his journey back, he crossed Nederland Avenue at 25th Street instead of his usual 27th Street route.

"Because I walked down to Family Dollar, I came down the road he was on," Champion told KFDM. "I know if I had just crossed immediately, I wouldn’t have seen him."

It was during this detour that the high school freshman encountered an elderly man whose hips had given out, leaving him stranded about a mile and a half from his home. "When I found him, he was lying on the side of the road with his bottom half in the grass and his top half in the road itself," recounted Champion. "When people drove by, they made sure to go around him, so it was pretty obvious they had seen him."

Undeterred, Champion went door-to-door seeking assistance. After knocking on approximately 15 doors, he finally found a willing neighbor, and the plea for help was captured on camera.

"I felt relieved and surprised at the same time because I knew that if I tried hard enough, I would find someone who would help," shared Champion. "It was disappointing just to see how many people wouldn’t help another human being."

While the man Champion assisted preferred to remain anonymous, he expressed profound gratitude for the teen's quick thinking.

"I mean, he actually walked down two or three blocks down the road, got someone to help me. It's the good lord looking after me. Nice to know that there’s still people out there that will help you," he remarked.

Champion's act of kindness garnered attention on Facebook, where several Nederland residents applauded his compassion.

Although he didn't anticipate the widespread recognition, Champion hopes his story inspires others to show similar kindness.

"I think if everyone helped out each other, this world would be a lot happier," reflected Champion.