She’s kept their kids safe for years. Now, these Dallas dads are paying it forward with a new car

A group of dads in North Texas surprised a local crossing guard with a new car. Here’s the heartwarming story about Trecia Crawford.

For one North Texas community, the popular proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” is a commonly practiced mentality. Parents and teachers do their part every day to make sure kids are taken care of and have what they need to succeed. Another person who’s aiding in this daily endeavor? Ms. Trecia Crawford, Moss Haven Elementary’s beloved crossing guard. Adam Tharp, a Richardson resident whose children attend the school, told CBS News, “Everybody loves her. She’s here every single day.” Another parent, Marcus Walther, added, “She probably knows more parents on a first‑name basis than most people.”

Both Tharp and Walther are part of the Dad’s Club, a group that meets on a regular basis to discuss how they can show up for students, staff, and teachers at Moss Haven Elementary. Luke Wagner is the president of the Dad’s Club, and he explained that, “We’re a group of dads who signed up to come together to better the environment here at Moss Haven Elementary. Most mornings we get about six to eight dads.” They work in tandem with Ms. Crawford, as she’s lovingly known, to make sure school drop off and pick up go safely and smoothly.

Wagner said that Ms. Crawford is “just here to make a smile on everyone’s faces as we cross the street,” and that all the kids know to not run in the crosswalk because she always reminds them that safety comes first. The Richardson Independent School District said,  “She is so kind and protective of every child. If she’s ever off work for the day, parents text to make sure she is doing okay! That’s the kind of impact she has on the neighborhood community.”

When the Dad’s Club found out that Ms. Crawford was taking the bus back and forth to work every day because her car broke down, they knew they needed to band together to orchestrate an act of kindness on par with the level of care she provides to their children. So, they bought her a car.

The dads sprung into action after Crawford’s car broke down

After Trecia Crawford’s car broke down a few months ago, she resorted to ride shares and public transportation to get to work every day at Moss Haven Elementary. “I was Lyfting here, and then when I ran out of money, I had to get on the bus. But I had to do what I had to do,” she said. Dad’s Club member Adam Tharp is Lake Highlands Automotive’s general manager; he offered to find the perfect car for Ms. Crawford and to ensure it was in good condition before they gave it to her. As this was happening, Marcus Walther “sent two emails” to other parents and community members and “raised several thousand dollars in just a couple days” to purchase the vehicle from Tharp at a discounted rate. The dads also made sure Ms. Crawford’s title and insurance were taken care of, and Tharp was able to provide some free oil changes for her as well.

The group presented her with her new white Jeep last week and she was immediately overcome with emotion. “Thank you, Moss Haven Elementary,” Ms. Crawford said. Tharp mentioned how she was a role model to the kids, and emphasized the importance of taking care of our communities. “Whether it’s a hi or a hug or a fist bump or ‘how’s it going,’ you start to get to know someone on more than just a casual basis,” he said. Ms. Crawford is one of these crucial people, and this act of kindness and generosity is a testament to the importance of showing up for the people who show up for us.