Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Jermaine Stokes is overcome with emotion after members of the community surprised him on August 7 with a moped, so he no longer has to walk to his two jobs.
Christin Crosby led the effort to raise money to buy transportation for Jermaine. She's pictured with Jermaine and her daughter Oaklyn.
Co-workers Makayla Smoak and Frances Still hug Jermaine Stokes after he received his surprise.
Jermaine Stokes takes a seat on his new moped after community members surprised him with the gift.
Jermaine Stokes blesses people daily with his positive attitude, work ethic, and smile. The community returned the favor for his birthday.
The Barnwell native works two jobs – at Country Cupboard and McDonald’s – and walks to work due to not having a means of transportation. That changed after the community came together to purchase him transportation.
“I have sat and talked with Jermaine many times and know that he walks to work and shows up to all his jobs rain or shine. He is the perfect example of a kind heart working individual. With everything he is going through he still manages to put a smile on his face and everyone else’s faces daily,” said Christin Cook Crosby, who organized a campaign that raised thousands of dollars.
She originally was going to purchase a bicycle, but ended up having enough money to buy a moped. On August 7, Crosby and others gathered at Country Cupboard to surprise Stokes as he finished his shift. He was overcome with emotion after opening a gift bag containing keys and being led outside to his new ride.
“Y’all didn’t have to do this,” said Stokes as tears welled up.
However, community members said this was the least they could do to help someone who has dedicated his life to helping others while always wearing a smile on his face.
“Jermaine Stokes is one of the hardest working guys I know! He makes everyone’s day better in Barnwell if it’s going through the drive-thru at McDonald’s in the mornings or him checking you out at Country Cupboard in the afternoons! He never fails to ask us how our family is and always so kind! We need more people like him in the world! Christin Cook Crosby you are amazing for putting this together for him, we also need more people like you in this world too,” said Katie Brabham.
Jeremy Roland said this example of the community coming together is exactly why he loves Barnwell. “Jermaine has been a centerpiece to this community for a while. There’s never been a time that I haven’t seen him with a smile on his face and his professionalism has always been top notch. He works so hard. If this world was full of Jermaines, it would be a much better place,” said Roland.
Shanon Bragg said Stokes is deserving because he’s a “light in all our lives” while Trina Wix said he “blesses so many, and today he knows how much his community loves him.”
His work ethic and positive attitude has not gone unnoticed by his bosses.
“He is a very hardworking, dedicated employee. He is a very caring person. He is the type of person that when a customer doesn't have enough money, he pays for their food,” said Kristi Gatlin, a manager at McDonald’s in Barnwell.
PJ Zook, owner of Country Cupboard, said Stokes wants to bless everyone with happiness and always exudes positivity to his customers. “His overwhelming strength is his positivity. I’ve never seen anyone so consistently positive.”
That positivity is also what bonded Crosby and her daughter to Stokes.
“She asks for him every time we go to one of his places of employment. She just loves his always smiling and always positive personality and outlook on life. Ultimately, I want my daughter to know that no matter the differences between us all love still wins and to always try to give back to others. You never know what someone goes through on a daily basis and if we can do one thing to make someone’s day better, that’s what it’s all about,” said Crosby.
Though she wanted to bless Stokes, she was amazed at how many people came together to help. “This is just one reason why I love my little town and how when it comes to helping others, we have it down! Couldn’t ask for a better place to call home! It was just such a blessing not only for him but for us as well to be able to give back,” she said.
This was a humbling experience for Stokes who is used to giving to others. He said he is forever grateful to everyone who played a part in making this the best birthday ever.
“I never dreamed I would be so loved. I never imagined I touch so many friends and family hearts but this is why I get up every day and take care of my customers. They are just too good to me. I promise to be the best I can be. I promise to live by the Lord and bless others just as much as I have been blessed,” said Stokes.
He is especially grateful to Crosby who he calls his hero.
“I love her just like I love Barnwell County and my community. She gave me the best option to make it to work because it wasn't easy traveling across town. I'm going to continue making her proud and the community,” said Stokes.
The moped will not only make his commute to work easier, but will also help him with grocery shopping and other errands.
When asked who or what inspires his work ethic, Stokes credits his mother who works seven days a week without complaining. “I want to be like her, no excuses to not get to work or give my very best for the community,” he said.
He said he loves using his gift of making customers happy every day. “My favorite thing about my job is listening to them, making their day, being a purpose and giving back to them like they deserve,” Stokes said.
Stokes encourages others to keep getting up each and every day to be their absolute best because you never know who you might bless by just being there.
His new moped will take him far, but his true gift of service with a smile will take him even further.
