Brighten Your Day

Hardee's Worker Receives Life-Changing Gift From Customer

June 28, 2025

Today's good news story comes from Montgomery, Alabama.

Every day, Deaubrey Philson walked nearly four miles to get to his job at Hardee’s restaurant. Quiet and dedicated, the 25-year-old never complained—he simply showed up on time, worked hard, and did it all again the next day.

Deaubrey and Shane / WSFA 12 News

What his coworkers didn’t know at first was that Philson had no other way to get there. “We just started paying attention, and we realized he was walking to work,” said his shift manager, Rosa Harris. “He’s very quiet.”

Harris and the team say Philson is the kind of employee every workplace wishes for—reliable, intelligent, and committed. Even with the physical demands of a fast food job, he made the long walk each day without fuss. For Philson, it wasn’t just about earning a paycheck. “I was trying to help my mama,” he said. “I feel like I haven’t really done much in life, so I’m trying to start now.”

That’s when a stranger stepped in.

One day, a customer named Shane Woodard noticed Philson walking along the highway in his Hardee’s uniform. “I was thinking, ‘Surely this guy is not walking to Hardee’s,’” he recalled. But when he realized Philson was, he felt moved to do something about it.

Later that day, as Philson finished his shift, he walked outside to find a brand-new bicycle waiting for him. Woodard had quietly bought it to ease his daily commute.

“I was just thankful because not too many people would do that,” Philson said.

The surprise gift not only made his journey easier—it sparked a new friendship. Philson and Woodard have kept in touch and say they plan to stay connected.

Philson says he thanks God for the act of kindness, which made a tough daily routine just a little lighter—and reminded him that good people are out there.

Meet Philson and Woodard in the video below: