Fast Food Worker Gifted Lackluster Goodie Bag For 27 Years Of Service

Jun 29, 2022 by apost team

The infectious positivity of one fast-food employee, Kevin Ford, charmed viewers during his unconventional unboxing video. In June 2022, Ford received a "goodie bag" from HMS Host, a highway and airport food service company through which he worked for Burger King. Ford had been working for them, namely within the Last Vegas Airport, for twenty-seven years. Without missing a day. To show their appreciation, HMS Host gifted Ford said bag. While being filmed by a coworker, Ford plucked knickknacks from the plastic backpack they arrived in, showed them to the camera, and expressed genuine thanks for what viewers unanimously felt was not enough.

Ford held up a movie ticket, Reese's, a reusable tumbler, a lanyard, pens, Lifesavers, and some pins. In an interview, Ford commented on the trinkets, saying, "I'm happy about anything. I'm thankful for anything I get. I'm not that type of person. Believe me, I've been through a lot so I'm happy about what I got." Ford expressed no animosity towards his employers. He simply said, "Most big corporations, they've lost touch with their workers... They started cutting out programs. We used to get a check for twenty years. That's what I actually thought that movie ticket was." 

While HMS Host didn't cut said check, Ford was able to provide health insurance for his children, given he was a member of the Culinary Union 226. His daughter explained, "[My father] continue[d] to work here because of the amazing health insurance that was provided through this employer because it was unionized."

Read on to learn more about Ford's story and the people who donated to the father's cause. 

Ford's daughter, Seryna, set up a GoFundMe for Ford after his video went viral. She explained the reasoning behind such a long stint at Burger King, saying how working at a union shop "got all four of his daughters through high school and college with full healthcare coverage." The fundraising page has since reached over $200,000, with hundreds of commenters leaving their well-wishings. One doner wrote, "What an amazing and humble man Kevin is. I hope that he enjoys every moment of his retirement and that he gets to spend time doing exactly what he wants to do. He is truly an example of hard work and earnestness." Another said, "What an inspiration you and your family are…the world truly needs more of you, Mr. Ford! Enjoy your well-deserved retirement!"

In his interview, Ford touched on what he would have done with a twenty-year check. Even in daydreaming of an adequate gift, Ford remained practical, saying, "If I had enough money, I would buy a new Ford hybrid. Something American. It's cheap on gas. Will get me around." He continued humbly, admitting, "But that's a dream, I'm not aiming for those things. I'm just aiming to get through the next day." Ford's spirit inspired viewers, who flocked to GoFundMe, hoping to help the father make ends meet.

At last, Ford said, "I'd also like to take a day off…I haven't had a day off in so long." Thanks to the generosity of the general public, Ford may be able to retire soon and enjoy plenty of well-earned time off. 

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