jeep

In an industry where frontline workers often go underappreciated, it’s always refreshing to see a custodian get the respect they deserve. Such was the case at James Madison High School in Virginia, where a group of students managed to raise $20,000 dollars to buy their beloved janitor — Francis Apraku — a Jeep Wrangler.

As reported by the NY Post, Apraku moved to the United States a few years ago in search of a better life, and over time established himself as a universally respected figure at the school. In conversations with students, he had always mentioned his dream of having his dream car (the Jeep) but could never afford it.

It was that dream that inspired a group of freshmen to organize a GoFundMe for Apraku. After raising an astounding $5,000 on the first day, it gave the students the belief they needed to keep promoting it. Fast forward to the following year and the total went up to $20,000.

With the money, the Wrangler was bought — surprising Apraku with a red Jeep in the school parking lot.  The video of the surprise and his heartwarming appreciation can be seen here.