An elderly Illinois couple has something to be thankful for after a repo man who took their car had a change of heart and helped them get it paid off.

Illini Asset Recovery co-owner Jim Ford tells KTRK-TV that after repossessing the Buick from Stan and Pat Kippling, he pulled over to call the bank in order to see if he could pay it off for the couple.

Ford set up an online fundraiser and says he raised the bulk of the cash needed in the first eight hours. The newly paid off car was returned to the Kipplings on Monday.

Ford says the couple reminded him of his late grandparents.

“My grandparents are gone, but you know….I could see them. I knew what was going on. Their medications have doubled, tripled, and I know that. I know that’s happening to everybody. I knew why they were behind.

Stan Kippling says getting the car back is "just like hitting the lottery."

The Associated Press contributed to this report