A Vietnam War veteran has been forced out of retirement and now delivers DoorDash orders late into the night to help cover mounting medical bills for his family.
Larry Phillip Colvin, 76, returned to work after rising healthcare costs for his wife and son outpaced his Social Security income.
‘I had to do something, and I can’t hold down a regular job,’ he told KTVT.
His situation came to light after he dropped off an order at a home in Mabank, Texas, around 10.30pm on March 14, wearing a veteran’s cap.
Mom of two Savannah Saulters, his customer, said the brief encounter stayed with her.
‘There should be no reason that a 76-year-old man is delivering my pizza that late at night,’ Saulters said.
Colvin told her he had been forced to return to work ten years after retiring in a bid to support his household as medical expenses continued to climb.
The veteran, who will turn 77 in May, now delivers food most nights of the week, taking Wednesdays off to attend church.
Larry Phillip Colvin, 76, who had retired for a decade has been forced back into work when his Social Security income was no longer enough to cover rising medical costs
Colvin said he now delivers food for DoorDash to help pay for his wife’s potential surgeries and his son’s serious health conditions, including lupus and dystonia
He said his wife is facing potential surgeries while his son is battling multiple autoimmune diseases, including lupus and dystonia.
‘I wish I didn’t have to do it at night, but that’s when you make the most money,’ Colvin said.
His daughter-in-law, Donna Colvin, said the work is wearing him down.
‘I think it’s very hard on him. I think he’s almost 77 years old, and it’s gotta take a toll somewhere,’ she said.
Saulters launched a GoFundMe campaign in hopes of easing the burden and allowing Colvin to finally stop working.
The fundraiser quickly gained traction, raising more than $76,000 within days.
‘Many in our community have met [Colvin] through their orders, and his kindness and dedication have left a lasting impression,’ Saulters wrote in the fundraiser.
‘No parent should have to choose between earning a living and being there for their sick child.
Moved by his situation, Savannah Saulters (pictured) launched a GoFundMe campaign to help relieve the financial pressure and allow Colvin to stop working
‘That’s why I’m starting this fundraiser – to help this devoted father take time off from DoorDash so he can focus on what matters most: Caring for his son.
‘The funds raised will give him the breathing room he needs to be present for his family during this difficult time, without the added stress of late-night shifts.’
Colvin said he was overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers and that the money will help him out ‘tremendously.’
‘I say, ‘God bless that lady,’ Larry Colvin said. ‘I’m very grateful. It’ll help pay off some bills.’
