Heroic Minneapolis Metro Transit Driver Gives Shoes Off Her Feet to Barefoot Stranger!
This Minneapolis bus driver’s heartwarming act of giving her own shoes to a barefoot stranger has taken the internet by storm. 🌐 #News #StPaulMN #Minnesota #FeelGoodStory
ST. PAUL, MN – A Minneapolis Metro Transit bus driver in St. Paul is earning praise after a heartwarming act of kindness that left her walking in her socks for the rest of her shift. On a regular Friday, Jayne Arendt-Verhelst, known for her upbeat demeanor and friendly rapport with passengers, made an unexpected gesture that touched many.
A Routine Route Turns Extraordinary
Jayne, 57, has been a familiar face to those who regularly ride the 54 route. She’s known for her playful nicknames for her passengers, like “Oklahoma,” who dislikes tornadoes, and “Nikki Sixx,” who bears a resemblance to the iconic member of Mötley Crüe. But it’s her interaction with a new face, nicknamed “The Narc” by another passenger, that has thrust Jayne into the spotlight.
During her usual route along West 7th Street, Jayne made an unscheduled stop for an unhoused woman standing in the street. Observing the woman’s lack of shoes, Jayne struck up a conversation.
Passengers, like Sarah Seldon, who was seated near the back of the bus, noticed the exchange and assumed the woman might be asked to leave. Instead, Jayne surprised everyone by removing her own shoes and handing them to the woman.
Walking Away with Hope
The woman, who left the bus a few stops later wearing Jayne’s size 10 Skechers, found more than just physical comfort. For Sarah, who had experienced homelessness herself, the gesture carried a deeper meaning.
A pair of shoes can restore dignity and offer hope, which can sometimes be the first step toward a better future.
Before the bus continued on its route, Sarah took to Reddit to share the touching moment she had witnessed. The post quickly gained attention, drawing widespread admiration for Jayne’s selfless act.
Comments poured in, praising not only Jayne but also the often unsung heroes of public transit who go the extra mile for their passengers.
A Driver with a Heart of Gold
Jayne has been known to bend the rules in the name of compassion. Just recently, she stopped her bus to help an injured dog, and this wasn’t the first time she allowed a passenger to board without a fare.
Her colleagues and passengers now jokingly ask her daily if she still has her shoes on by the end of her shift.
Despite the viral attention, Jayne remains humble, often brushing off the fuss with laughter. Her actions have certainly left an impression, making her a standout in the community for her willingness to help others, even if it means making small sacrifices herself.
Jayne’s story is a reminder of the impact one person can have with a simple act of kindness, and how sometimes, bending the rules for the right reasons can make all the difference.
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