Community Rallies Around 81-Year-Old Crossing Guard After She's Hit By Car

By Cleve Bryan

MILLVILLE, NJ (CBS) – An 81-year-old crossing guard known for her infectious smile is about to receive some love in return as she recovers from getting hit by a car.

Mattie Rilley has been a Millville crossing guard since 1998 when she retired from her career as the first female journeyman at the Wheaton Glass Company.

On the afternoon of March 17 a woman hit Rilley with her car at the intersection of N Sharp Street and Harrison Ave.

"I'm waiting for my last child to put her last foot up onto the sidewalk and I happen to turn and see this car coming," recalls Rilley.

Millville police issued the female driver two tickets.

"I love those kids and I would rather for a car to hit me than to hit my children," says Rilley.

While she is home recovering from injuries to her legs, her absence didn't go unnoticed. Thanks to bus driver Christina Cundiff-Gonzalez people are now just starting to drop off get well cards, gift cards and cash for Rilley at The Incredible Bulk candy shop on High Street.

"Christina thought it would be a wonderful idea for the community to try to do something for Mattie," says store owner Dave Vanaman.

They plan to collect the gifts for Rilley and deliver them at the end of next week.

If you'd like to give a card or gift you can send it to 101 N High Street, Millville, NJ 08332.