‘One of the kindest moments I’ve ever witnessed.’: Stranded Virginia motorists receive free baked goods from delivery truck

While much of the aftermath of the I-95 shutdown in Virginia has resulted in finger pointing and questioning of the state government’s response to the many stranded on the freezing freeway, a heartwarming story of a bread company’s compassion and generosity has surfaced from a grateful couple’s heartfelt thank you.

Casey Holihan Noe and her husband, John Noe, were headed from Elliott City, MD to Newport, NC when they became stuck at mile marker 148 in the long line of halted vehicles. The couple had been making a final visit to family before preparing to moving to Germany where John, who is currently in the Air Force, will be stationed for the next four years.

In addition to lovely family memories, the foreign-bound couple were soon to share some less pleasant memories with the many tired travelers waiting for rescue. Like many others, the Noe’s were forced to sleep in their car overnight, braving the chilly temperatures and only running their engine for short amounts of time to preserve their fuel.

“After almost 21 hours of being stuck on 95 South, sleeping here over night, not having access to food or water, and all of the nearest towns being out of power, we were tired, frustrated, and hungry,” shares Casey.

The couple had spied a baking company’s delivery truck stuck nearby, and as the hours stretched on, the two became more and more desperate for something to eat. Doubtful they would receive any kind of response, but encouraged by the grumbling of their empty stomachs, they dialed Schmidt Baking Company’s customer service line.

“We didn’t think it would actually work,” admits Casey, “but less then 20 minutes later we got an incredible surprise.”

One of the owners of Schmidt Baking Company, Chuck Paterakis, personally called them with some heaven-sent news. He had contacted the truck driver, Ron Hill, and would be having him open the rig and share the loaves of bread with the hungry motorists.

The owner was thrilled to be able to help and grateful the couple had contacted the company. Once the truck doors were open, Ron received assistance in distributing the baked goods to more than 50 cars. The Noe’s shared that many of those stranded on I-95 had young children, were elderly, or had pets with them, and now after nearly an entire day of no food, they were finally able to eat something.

Casey took to Facebook to give an “incredible thank you” to Schmidt Baking Company for their “humanity and compassion” toward the hungry passengers. “We were all incredibly thankful. This was one of the kindest moments I have ever witnessed.”

This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Casey Holihan Noe. You can follow her on Facebook. Submit your own story here. Be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories, and YouTube for our best videos.

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