Teen who cleaned neighbourhood after protests rewarded with college scholarship and car

Antonio Gwynn Jr. is an 18-year-old high school senior and a resident of Buffalo, New York.

When the recent protests against the brutal killing of George Floyd in police custody rocked his city and some turned destructive, Antonio wanted to help. So, he took the onus of cleaning up his neighbourhood himself. He brought in a broom, some trash bags, and started cleaning the streets by himself starting 2pm at night. And remarkably, he did so for a massive 10 hours.

When an organized group came in later to clean the streets, they realized that Antonio had done most of the cleaning work already.

And, when word spread about the amazing work that Antonio had done, his community responded in a very heartwarming manner.

Matt Block, 27, saw what Antonio had done and decided to gift to him his prized sports car: a 2004 red Mustang convertible. Block saw Antonio asking for some advice on buying a new car on Facebook, and decided to donate his own car to the boy. And this gift was more special and precious to Antonio because his mother, who passed away in 2018, owned a red Mustang.

“I couldn’t come to grips with selling it, and this was a good way for me to get rid of it and know someone that gets it is going to appreciate it, I think,” Block said.

But that is not all!

Bob Briceland, a local businessman associated with the Briceland Insurance Agency, extended the auto insurance coverage of the car for an year at no cost!

“I just felt compelled to help him out. We just need to get together our whole city and show people how there’s so many good people here,” Briceland told CNN affiliate WKBW.

But here is the icing on the cake!

The Medaille College in Buffalo has offered Antonio a full scholarship, where he intends to study business. He had planned to join college after high school by saving up some money. But, this scholarship would reduce a lot of Antonio’s worries and help him join college immediately.

Antonio is, obviously, thankful for and overwhelmed by the community response, and said, “I appreciate everything everyone is doing for me.”

Wow! Doesn’t this story reinforce your belief in community and social service? Do share your thoughts in the comments section below.