My name is Robert, Kato Cab Driver #61. I would often wonder what to do in honor of my mother, besides staying out of trouble and making my granddaughter smile. Then one day I drove past a really neat set of Christmas lights and it suddenly came to me, mom always loved going to see the Christmas light with the kids. A while later, a new owner took over Kato Cab and I finally got enough nerve to ap
proach him with the idea of using a cab to help kids with special circumstances see the Christmas lights. Without any hesitation he said “that’s wonderful, work it all out and inform my manager of all the details and would see to it that we get a van or two for the event”. I was not aware of how many children where in special circumstances in the Mankato area until I began my research into what I was up against. It didn't take long to see that we didn't have enough seats for everyone that deserves it. After I had given a few reports to my manager, I received a call from our new owner. He wanted to let me know how proud he was and how excited he was with what we were planning. However he wanted me to look into the rules and regulations of taking such a trip because he would hate for anything to go wrong and ruin the special night for these kids because of something I over looked. He also suggested that I be careful on how many I tried to help because no matter how good my attentions where, there may not be enough time do it! This was around the 22nd of December, so I was so grateful for his call. Even though I had changed my focus to one group and planning to do something for those that couldn’t take part in this later on, I still didn’t have enough seats. After sharing my dilemma with one of our passengers at Kato Cab, they suggested contacting Land to Air. They where on-board without hesitation. I was truly impressed with the rules and regulations in place to help and protect all of these families. I began to ask some of the businesses around town if they would like to take part in our trip of the Christmas spirit! I was so amazed at how quickly everyone came together wanting to help. So many that we had to turn down some. I will include an attached list of everyone that helped. It had actually worked, everything was coming together, and it was the day of the big event! December 30, 2014. I spent most of the morning visiting all the places that where helping us with these kids and going over all the details… I had never felt so good inside. I got to Land to Air a little before lunch time to deliver our schedule and route plan. Some events had occurred that where completely out of their control and could not have a buss there in time. They added how important it was to them to help our community and would like to be included in whatever adventure I planned for these kids next! For a brief moment in time, I felt that I had failed and all was lost! As I sat at four way stop for quite a while, unsure of which way to go, good thing there was no traffic behind me, a school bus pulled up to the stop sign on my right. I waved at them to go ahead, and as it drove past me, it dawned on me, try city transit. They said do to regulation they were unable to help, but suggested I contact one of the city’s private contractors. The private contractor said they would love to help but would need the district’s board’s approval and there just wasn’t enough time. They thought for a moment and suggested that I call Lake Crystal Coaches. In the end all I had to do was fax them a copy of our route and they were on board. The trip was a complete success! I wished I could have filmed it. I have never felt so good, with the honor and the privilege of getting see every one involved, even though the mothers and staff still had their cat like radars on for anything that could go wrong, forget about whatever was going on in their life for a brief moment and have some fun! Kato Cab, It’s drivers, management, dispatchers, and it’s new owner would like to thank everyone involved for coming together and helping us pull this off.. I personally would like to thank Kato Cab, driver #96 Katy and her daughter Bailey, management, dispatchers, and it’s new owner. Without all of your support and encouragements, I would never have been able to pull this off! In my closing remarks I would like to say:
“LOOK MOM! We did it! I love and miss you dearly!”
Robert, Kato Cab Driver #61
The Real Heroes That Made it Happen:
I just do not have the words to express the gratitude and honor i feel towards each and every one of you for helping show these kids and their families some Fun.~~~~~~~~~
Please Help me in Thanking them, and showing them how much we appreciate the support they give to our community by Liking this Post? Wow!Zone – Provided them each with a Free Bowling Pass, A choice between Free Laser Tag or Mini Golf, and $5.00 for the arcade. Old Country Buffet – Provided all staff that helps take care of these families all with a free meal from the families they take care of! (I’ll attach a picture of the sweet little bee that surprised them with their package)
Great Clips – Provided everyone with gifts and gift baskets for the kids to give to their mothers. Nails By Jordan - Provided every mother a $5.00 gift card from their children. Walgreen's – Provided a Christmas treat to everyone. Burger King – Provided everyone who came on our little trip with a free meal of their choice. Of course we had to see the lights! Super America – provided everyone with a free hot chocolate for the trip home! Wouldn't want to leave any one from the story out! Can't forget Lake Crystal Coaches might of never happen without your help,
Land to Air Express
I do not have the words to express the gratitude we have for everyone that helped make this happen! Special thanks to Katy, Kato Cab Driver #96, who without being there to help with contacting each place before we got there and security, things could have gone a lot different, and her daughter Bailey, who without being there with her high spirited positive energy, the trip would not have been nearly as exciting! The Reason Why I Started This Organization:
A few days ago in my cab, I picked up a real nice lady and her kid at a grocery store and gave them a ride back to their motel. On the way there I asked her if she would like to read a great Christmas story. She agreed, so I handed her a paper copy of the story that was put in the paper about how Peggy’s Kids came about! As we drove she read and shared the story with her kid. Once we got to the motel I helped her with her groceries. Then she approached me and handed me a one dollar bill and said, “This is for your kind service”. Then she said, “This is what you’re supposed to be doing”. She reached out her hand with a five dollar bill and said “this is for the kids”. I reached out to take the money but she wouldn't let go until I promised not to ever give up on these kids. Then the little kid reached up with a quarter and said “I want to help the kids”! I looked at the mother not wanting to take it, she said “please”. The excitement and look on his face for getting to help will always be with me. It was because of this I started the donation page. And to that nice lady, where every you are, you will see that our very first five dollar anonymous donation was your. And to that kid, your quarter is the most expensive donation I will ever receive and I will cherish it for ever! I promise to always try and find kids that are desperately needing a smile and try and give them one!
