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Students raise $20K to gift their school's custodian a car

When asked what he wanted for his birthday, Francis told the kids he "desired to get a Jeep Wrangler."

VIENNA, Va. — A group of students from James Madison High School surprised their school's custodian with his dream car to show their appreciation for all that he does.

In September 2023, a group of freshmen were casually talking with Francis, the school's custodian. He told the students his birthday was approaching and when they asked what he wanted for his birthday, Francis told the kids he "desired to get a Jeep Wrangler." 

Francis told the students his end goal in life was to purchase his dream Jeep Wrangler. Six months ago the students got together and said "We're going to try and get him a Jeep."

With this goal in mind, the students made it their mission to raise the money to purchase Francis his dream Jeep. They started a GoFundMe with their friends and some of the parents, who then started reposting it and sending it around to different organizations and other family members.

"One thing got to another and in the next two days, we had $5,000," one student said. 

After months of fundraising, they reached $20,000 on Saturday. The students cashed out the money, partnered with a local dealership, and got Francis a cherry red Jeep Wrangler just in time for the fall. 

On Tuesday, the students gathered in the parking lot of the Vienna Inn to surprise Francis with his new car.

Francis was overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude. 

"Today is a wonderful day in my life and I will never forget it," Francis said. 

"I'm excited to see him whipping it around at school, seeing him every day... he really deserves it." one student said 

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