ROCKWOOD, Tenn. — A 17-year-old boy became an honorary Rockwood Walmart truck driver Saturday as part of a company program that aims to uplift people with disabilities, veterans and the terminally ill.
Cole Canter has autism and was nominated for the program by his mother Cherise. Cole beamed throughout the morning, excited to meet local police officers, truck drivers and community members who came to support him.
Cole got to ride in a convoy that included Tennessee State Troopers, the Roane County Sheriff's Office, Walmart truck drivers and more.
As part of the program, he was gifted a shopping spree at Walmart, where he purchased one of his favorite things: a robotic vacuum cleaner.
When asked if he was excited about the event, Cole responded enthusiastically.
"Heck yeah!"
Cherise said events like these help foster community.
"It makes him feel more welcome in the community when we have the opportunity to be out in the community and show people that being different is okay," she said.
Walmart truck driver Justin Bone helped organize the event and said giving back is important.
"With the way the world is now, you always see so many bad things that are going on. It's always good to give," Bone said.
The impact of Walmart Heart is evident, Bone added.
"If everybody could have seen the big smile on Cole's face and how happy he was...that's why we do it. Just to put a smile on their face," Bone said. "Because it's not about us at Walmart Heart. It's about the kids."
Contact your local Walmart to nominate a loved one or to find out more information.