Big blessings come to people who are a blessing to others.

We often think that our small efforts to make the lives of everyone around us just a little bit better go unnoticed.

But in reality, those we helped along the way take a mental snapshot of those moments and some of them wait for the perfect moment to give it back or pay it forward.

Tim McCloud has been working at their local Harris Teeter for over two decades.

Through his years of service, he made an impact not only on the Glenwood Village branch but also on the neighborhoods they served.

He works with constant dedication and cares for others even if it involved smaller tasks like gathering up grocery carts or bagging goods.

One person who he had an impact on was Julie Caviness.

Caviness described him as “incredible” and that he was her “part-time therapist.” They often chat about a lot of things, from mundane events to things she needed advice on.

She said McCloud even watched her children grow and has prayed for her family in multiple occasions.

She also described him as someone who always shows up. He comes to work even the bus is running late, raining, snowing, or during the summer months.

Despite all of the challenges, McCloud comes into work with a warm smile for everyone.

Then, Caviness received news that McCloud is leaving the store.

“I started crying,” she recalled to WRAL. “I was like ‘you can’t leave me.'”

McCloud will transfer to another branch closer to his home.

The Glenwood Village branch is about 45 minutes from his home while the branch he’ll be transferring to is only about 9 minutes.

Caviness’s feelings shifted, however.

From not wanting McCloud to leave, she wanted him to move on to better pastures while also feeling the love he gave to the community.

Caviness launched a GoFundMe for McCloud to thank him for his years of dedication. Their first goal was to raise $1,000.

The fundraiser blew up.

“I knew he had a fan club, we all talk about Tim and how kind he is. I don’t think I had any clue how big his fan club is,” she told WRAL. “So then we hit five. Then my mom’s texting me like every hour, ‘what’s it up to now?’ Then we hit ten. And I’m like, ‘oh wow.'”

By the time they reached his last day, the funds swelled up to $22,000.

The money was given to him at the end of his shift when Caviness asked him to walk her to her car one last time.

They popped the surprise when McCloud exited the store.

He couldn’t believe what was happening and was brought to tears, especially when he realized how much he was loved.

The crowd presented him with his “retirement fund” which McCloud said would help him a lot. At the end of the fundraiser, the community raised $33,000 for their local hero.

Good luck to you, Mr. McCloud! And may you continue to bless people with your dedication.

Watch how the community banded together for him in the video below!

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Source: YouTube – WRAL, Southern Living, GoFundMe