A thief took off with a disabled Army veteran's specialized bicycle, but his community came together to raise money for a new bike, according to WBZ-TV.
Curt Payne, a Manchester, New Hampshire, resident, was permanently disabled after a near-fatal car accident in 2001.
Now he spends his time volunteering for the city and picking up trash from public places.
"It’s the easiest job I’ve ever done in my life," Payne told WBZ. "And it’s the most rewarding."
Payne got around on a specialized bicycle — that is, until a thief made off with the bike and left Payne without transportation.
According to the outlet, an unknown person cut the lock on Payne's bike and stole it from outside of the vet's apartment.
WMUR-TV reported that the bike had been donated by the Manchester Police Patrolman's Association in September and bore a sticker in honor of Payne's late son, Bryan.
According to the station, this isn't the first time something of this nature has happened: another one of Payne's bicycles was stolen in 2014, according to the station.
Payne — affectionately known by local residents as "Major" — reportedly rode over 900 miles on his bike just last year.
As a result of the community's kindness, he very well could put another 900 miles on a new bicycle.
WBZ reported that Payne's story went viral on social media, and some in the community came forward to show their admiration and generosity by offering to replace Payne's stolen bicycle.
Parker Diamond, one of Payne's friends, told WBZ, "There's angels following him around."
WMUR reported that Payne's former boss called him on Wednesday with some good news.
"Boss said, 'Well, this person will give $500, and I’ll give $250,'" Payne said, noting that Payne's uncle made a donation as well as a "number of strangers," according to WMUR.
The station also reported that two young siblings raised money for Payne's new bike with a lemonade stand.
"I know that I’m loved," Payne said. "It's so crazy. It's awesome."
According to WMUR, Payne says he may have enough money to get a new bike and may have it by the end of the week.
