For the past nine years Billy Stump bicycled to his job at the 7-Eleven on Wall Street in West Long Branch, where he developed a rapport with customers as a clerk and manager.

He’s particularly good with kids, the locals say, and has been known to cover the tab for those whose pocket change comes up a few cents short.

On Oct. 12, though, someone stiffed him big-time, stealing his unlocked bike from the front of the store while he manned the counter. Without the Schwinn Midway Cruiser, valued at approximately $200, the car-less Stump wound up walking 25 minutes to work or riding a bike borrowed from a customer in the days since.

WATCH: In the video atop this story, check out Billy's reaction to the surprise.

That changed Monday afternoon when a large group of patrons presented him with a new Electra Cruiser (cost: $383), a bike lock and $600 in cash as a thank-you for his kindnesses through the years. They surprised him with the gifts at the 7-Eleven.

“I was shocked,” said the 38-year-old, who grew up in Long Branch and lives in West Long Branch. “I appreciate it. They didn’t have to do what they did. They’re all really nice people.”

Jerry Carino writes about remarkable people in Monmouth and Ocean counties. If you enjoy his work, make sure you don't miss a thing by buying a digital subscription to APP.com and downloading our mobile app today.

Word about the theft first circulated because Stump warned kids who came into the store to lock their bikes, imploring them to learn from his mistake. An informal fundraiser sprang up on Facebook and roughly 50 people kicked in.

“Billy is a wonderful guy,” said Trish Dennehy, a West Long Branch resident who contributed. “He touches the lives of everybody who walks in that store. He makes me feel really special when I walk in there, and I guess he has that same effect on everyone.”

Stump thanked 7-Eleven’s owner, Kirit Patel, for accommodating a crowd of about 25 people who came into the store for Monday’s presentation. The whole thing left Stump practically speechless except for a series of “wows.” He tried to decline the cash, but the crowd insisted that he take it. He then proceeded to personally thank each person there.

“It’s like karma came back around and gave him what he deserved,” said West Long Branch resident Linda Pape, who was on hand. “He’s just a hard-working guy who looks out for the kids in the community.”

For Stump, who works six days a week at 7-Eleven, the commute just got easier.

“I’m going to bike home today and I’m going to lock it up at my house,” he said. “It’s a really nice bike.”

Jerry Carino is news columnist for the Asbury Park Press, focusing on the Jersey Shore’s interesting people, inspiring stories and pressing issues. Contact him at jcarino@gannettnj.com.