PORTAGE, Mich. — A Portage man who was the victim of a hit-and-run last month is now the proud owner of a new car, thanks to the generosity of his community.
TJ Day, a long-time cyclist, had been riding his bike to work for over a decade when the accident occurred. On the evening of the crash, Day was heading home from his job at Walgreens, following his usual route when a vehicle struck him. Despite wearing all of his safety gear, including a helmet and reflective clothing, the driver of the vehicle fled the scene, leaving Day injured.
The hit-and-run left Day with injuries that forced him to take time off from work. His family reported that he has been recovering steadily and hopes to return to his job within the next week. Day, who has been a familiar face to many customers at Walgreens, is eager to get back to work and reconnect with those he’s built relationships with over the years.
In a remarkable display of community spirit, friends, family, and even strangers in Portage rallied together to help Day in his time of need. A fundraising campaign was launched, and in just a few weeks, more than $20,000 was raised to help him purchase a new car—something that will help him regain his independence and continue his daily life without relying on his bike.
The overwhelming support from the community has been a source of hope and gratitude for Day, who, despite the challenges he’s faced, is thankful for the kindness shown by so many. “I never expected anything like this,” Day said. “It’s truly humbling to see how many people care.”
The investigation into the hit-and-run is ongoing, with local authorities continuing to search for the driver responsible for the incident. However, the outpouring of support from the Portage community has brought some light to a difficult situation, proving that in times of hardship, the strength of a community can make all the difference.
Day’s story stands as a reminder of the kindness that can arise in the face of adversity, and how a community can come together to make a real difference in someone’s life.
