Tyler Perry Replaces Disabled Woman's Van After Theft

The Atlanta filmmaker called his local news station minutes after seeing a story about the woman's troubles.

Atlanta filmmaker Tyler Perry is receiving high praise for performing a good deed.

After hearing about a 24-year-old Georgia woman’s van being stolen, Perry bought her one to replace it, Atlanta’s WSB-TV reports.

The woman, Alicia Day, has cerebral palsy and requires a special-equipped van to get to and from work and medical appointments. She said hers was taken from her driveway.

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Perry saw a story about Day's plight on TV, and called the station shortly after, saying he wanted to buy her a van.

“My mouth just dropped to the floor when I heard his voice,” Day said of receiving a call from Perry. Day’s father, who answered the phone, didn’t believe it was Perry at first.

"Excuse me, who do you want to talk to? Who is this now?,' Day’s mother said, describing his reaction.

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Day, who works part time as a greeter at Home Depot, said her coworkers have pledged $5,000 to help with her medical expenses.

A number of fans reacted to Perry's generosity on Twitter, calling him "awesome" and declaring their support for the filmmaker. Perry is known for donating to other causes through his Tyler Perry Foundation, including a $1 million pledge toward relief for the earthquake in Haiti.

Earlier this week, Oprah Winfrey’s OWN Network inked an exclusive deal with Perry for scripted TV shows. His next film, The Marriage Counselor, is slated for a March 2013 release.