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NE Philly Mechanic Donates Car To GA Teen Who Rode Bike 50 Miles To School

By Pat Gallen

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Sometimes, a helping hand can go a long way.

A local man went well outside of Philadelphia to help a teen in need.

Eight hundred miles away, a college student in Conyers, Georgia packed his things and headed to school on his brothers bike...six hours, in 100 degree heat.

Nineteen-year-old Fred Barley wanted a job at Gordon State College before the semester began, so he rode a small bike 50 plus miles to school, then slept in a tent.

That's where local auto mechanic Andrew Ungaro comes in.

"When the story hit Facebook, I caught wind of it and inquired if the kid had a driver's license, which he did, whether he was in a
position to accept a vehicle, which he was."

Andrew had a 2003 Hyundai that needed a home. So he drove from Philadelphia to Georgia to give the car to Barley.

"We got together Thursday night, which was the day before we actually presented the car to him, and he is just a great young kid. He's got an infectious smile and laugh. He loves to hug everybody. He's just a real dedicated kid with a lot of drive and moxie."

Ungaro thought it was a great time to do a nice thing. So he told Barley when he is done with the car, he needs to pass it along as well.

"I look at this as a pay it forward thing, so if anyone ever gets the chance to help someone out and they are in a position to do it, help them out because it really is what makes the world go round."

As for Barley, he is attending Gordon State College and is majoring in Biology. He aspires to be a doctor.

He was also aided by many other strangers, with nearly $184,000 raised on a GoFundMe page.

He can't believe the outpouring of support.

"I just wanted to tell you guys, thank you so much for all that you have done for me."

Barley has been hired by a pizzeria near his school and was given free lodging at a hotel until the semester began.

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