In case you missed this story, first covered on CBS, there do exist “Everyday Heroes.” Eliot Middleton of South Carolina is one of them, a grill master by day in his own barbeque establishment, and trained auto mechanic making old cars new again and giving them to those in need.
Middleton, owner of Middleton’s Village Barbeque, just plain likes giving to those without. “It’s all about sharing,” he says. “That’s what the world should be about. Helping people, that’s just what I like doing.” CBS and CNN both featured a piece on Middleton’s good will, and the public responded, giving something of their own.
The grill master also serves his signature barbeque to the local lineman working to restore power in town, organizes food and supply drives for those affected by natural disasters, and feeds students and teachers free of charge at local schools.
Along with an anonymous donor, Middleton gave Thanksgiving groceries and his bareque meals to families in need in Georgetown county. He especially focuses on rural and under-served areas. He often brings along his daughter to community events so that she, too, can see how giving back helps others.
Most recently, he’s received offers of 80 ‘used’ vehicles and six figures in cash, all to go toward the giving he’s been doing for several years. With each car Middleton donates comes instructions about how to properly maintain the car, including an under-the-hood tutorial where fluid levels can be checked and what he serviced on the vehicle.
For the holidays one year, he repaired 5 cars, and just like Santa, donated them on Christmas morning! Going forward, Middleton hopes to be able to educate each receiver of one of his repaired vehicles. “It’s important to know how to operate the machine you’re driving,” he notes. “How to change a tire, recognize odors and smells, like burning brakes, oil leaks.”
Middleton says he’s always looking for vehicles to repair and donate. If you’ve got a spare, reach out to his Middleton Village Foundation, 1079 Golden Pond Road, McClellanville, SC29429. Or email him at village2villagefoundation@gmail.com.
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