Second grader used to walk 4 miles every day to school. Then, a kind stranger stepped in to help.

Kim Bellus and her son, Gabe from Nebraska learned in 2015 that they weren't eligible to take the bus. They lived two miles away from Gabe's school, Carriage Hill Elementary. According to the local school district laws, they didn't qualify for the second-grader to take the bus to school. The school only provided transportation beyond a specific mile radius and the Bellus' house fell just within the boundary of that radius, per Goalcast. Kim had to walk for hours every day to take her son to and from school since she was a full-time student and stay-at-home parent who couldn't afford a car.

Kim had a hard time remaining motivated and pondered how long things could go on since she was worried about the upcoming winter weather. She was also worried about how tiring it was for Gabe to take these strenuous walks to school. Fortunately, their circumstances changed when a local news station became interested in their story. Bellus told KMTV that she didn't mind the walk as much when the weather was warmer, but it was going to turn chilly. Her kid was also exhausted by the time he arrived at school, making it difficult for him to concentrate. Gabe said in the interview, "I’m really tired when I get back." 

Kim added, "[Walking] is no problem at this point, but it’s going to be a problem once the winds, let’s say, are 30 below." Becky Novotny, a neighbor, recognized Kim and Gabe after the story aired and decided to help. She herself is a stay-at-home parent and has three children. The next time she spotted them going back from school, she decided to offer help. She told Kim that she also had a child studying in that school and would be glad to help out. Kim drove back with Novotny that day, and she decided to drive Gabe to and from the school every single day. Gabe's mood improved once Novotny began giving him rides. He appeared more enthusiastic and had greater attention at school, according to KMTV. 

Kim appreciated Novotny, saying, "I had nowhere else to turn… I greatly appreciate [the] help." She added, "I tried with the schools, I tried with the administration, I tried particularly with this school itself, and nothing was happening." Novotny's gesture of kindness has completely changed Gabe's experience with education. He is now more focused, and present, and it has given Kim time to focus on her studies and work, now that they are not taking long walks to school.