Stranger Watching The News Steps In To Help Stranded Family During Winter Storm

February 5, 2026

A Memphis family who found themselves stranded during last week’s winter storm received an unexpected act of kindness — from someone who had never met them.

Gerald and the woman who helped his family / ABC 24 Memphis

Gerald Driver, his wife, and their three children were forced to take shelter at a community warming center as freezing temperatures and icy conditions swept through the city. With few options, the family stayed at the Ed Rice Community Center, sleeping on the floor for several nights while volunteers did their best to care for those seeking refuge.

“We slept on the floor from Friday till today,” Driver said. “Me and my wife, a 12-year-old, a 9-year-old, and a 1-year-old. The people here, the staff, they rallied with other people from other centers to bring us hot meals when they could and provide blankets.”

Their situation might have remained just one of many difficult stories from the storm—until a local television report brought their experience into living rooms across the area.

One viewer, who asked not to be identified because of her work as a therapist, said she immediately felt compelled to help after seeing the family’s story.

“They hadn’t had anything hot for several days,” she said. “Beef jerky and fruit cups were all they’d had to eat. Three children and an older woman, and they’re all sleeping on the floor.”

Determined to do something, she began organizing help from home. Using food delivery services, she arranged for hot meals to be sent to the family.

“They were hungry, and I thought, I can’t tolerate that,” she said. “So I went on DoorDash and looked around for places that were still delivering. I found a station that was still open. They made things like pizza and fried chicken.”

But she didn’t stop there.

She also sent air mattresses to help the family sleep more comfortably, along with wipes and other basic supplies. Over the weekend, she stayed in touch with them, offering encouragement and reminding them they were not alone.

Watch the video below: