Woodward Wheelchair Van

Mobility Ventures LLC recently donated a wheelchair accessible van to Route 130 Diner waitress Liz Woodward after she picked up the tab for two firefighters in July. (Photo provided)

(Photo provided)

When waitress Liz Woodward picked up the tab for two firefighters after serving them breakfast at the Route 130 Diner in Delran in July, she never imagined the gesture would lead to much more than a thank you.

The next thing she knew, her act of kindness was national news and a viral sensation.

The firefighters, Paul Hullings and Tim Young, visited the Route 130 Diner just after Hullings spent 12-hours fighting a warehouse blaze in North Brunswick. They enjoyed a hearty meal, but when Woodward brought the men their check, it was covered in words instead of numbers.

Woodward's note read, "Thank you for all that you do, for serving others and for running into the places everyone else runs away from."

After all the vital attention, Hullings and Young discovered that their generous waitress was trying to raise money to purchase a wheelchair-accessible van for her father who is paralyzed.

Hullings and Young helped to increase the "Woodward Strong" fundraising campaign from $30,000 to $80,000, and reach many more people including representatives from Mobility Ventures LLC in New Brunswick Township.

"When we heard about Liz's efforts to help her father and the incredible support she's received from her community, we were deeply inspired and wanted to pay forward her kindness," said Pat Kemp, Mobility Ventures Executive Vice President.

Kemp said the company decided to donate a fully wheelchair-accessible MV-1 to the Woodward family.

"We're happy to have a hand in giving her family back their mobility and freedom, and the peace of mind that comes from driving a safe and reliable vehicle," Kemp said.

Liz Woodward was touched by the donation and grateful for the many strangers who have reached out to help her make her father's life better.

"The generosity and kindness the campaign supporters and Mobility Ventures have shown is really incredible, and I hope this brings hope to others in similar situations, and inspires people to help those in need in any way possible," said Liz Woodward. "We truly appreciate it."

Kelly Roncace may be reached at kroncace@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @kellyroncace. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.