What started out as just a simple opportunity for a job, went from disaster to a message of hope for one woman. Anna Thompson, who lost two jobs at the same time due to the coronavirus, biked from Edinburg to Taylorville for a job opportunity at Aldi’s on Friday. While inside for the job interview, her bike was stolen along with her backpack. The backpack contained a lot of her private hard to replace items. She chased the suspect, but he did get away. 

Thompson called 9-1-1 and Taylorville Police Officer Alan Mills began to search for the bike. Officer Mills was able to eventually track down the missing bike and get Thompson all of her things back on Monday. Thompson got the job at Aldi’s. That in itself is a fantastic story but it doesn’t end there. 

Shirley Niethe, who works for ACE Hardware in Taylorville, heard about the situation and agreed to help Thompson get a car by giving her a check of $1,000 towards a vehicle. Thompson couldn’t believe it and is grateful for the love and support of the Taylorville Community.

Thompson says she was down on her luck and saw the job opportunity for Aldi’s come open and she had to at least try for it. 

Thompson also credited the Taylorville Police Department for all their help towards getting her bike back.

At the end of the day when asked about why she would support a total stranger, Niethe says it is important to help others especially during times like these. Ultimately it goes to show, that a little kindness can go a long way.