Tyler Perry Donates Van to Disabled Georgia Woman
Hollywood powerhouse Tyler Perry has donated a specialized van to a Georgia woman with cerebral palsy after hers was stolen last week near Atlanta.
"My mouth just dropped to the floor when I heard his voice," 24-year-old Alicia Day of Dekalb told local television news station WSB-TV after Perry called her to tell her of his gift.
Day's $60,000 specialized 2000 Chrysler Town and Country van, which included a lift for a wheelchair, was stolen on Sunday, Sept. 30 between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. from her driveway.
Day, who is confined to a wheelchair and works part-time as a greeter at Home Depot, had her sad story featured on WSB-TV shortly after the auto theft occurred on Monday afternoon.
Perry called Day shortly after viewing the news story and offered to replace Day's vehicle.
Day's mother reportedly uses the vehicle to shuttle her daughter to and from doctor appointments and to go to work every day.
According to WSB-TV, Home Depot has also responded kindly to Day's plight, with one co-worker donating $5,000 for her medical expenses.
Fans reacted strongly on Twitter to Perry's generosity, voicing their support for the 43-year-old Atlanta-based actor.
"Someone stole this girl's van who has cerebral palsey [sic]…Tyler Perry bought her a new one. Say what you want, I'll always support him!" tweeted Jennifer Nicole.
"My co-worker and I were crying when we saw how Tyler Perry bought a handicapped woman a van after hers was stolen!" tweeted another user.
Perry has previously starred in films such as "Madea's Big Happy Family" and "Aunt Bam's Place." Upcoming titles include "The Marriage Counselor" and "Alex Cross."