78-Year-Old DoorDash Driver Receives Financial Support but Plans to Keep Working
Richard Pulley, a 78-year-old DoorDash driver, recently received a substantial amount of financial help—$965,868, to be exact. This came just weeks after a video of him carefully climbing stairs to deliver a Starbucks order in East Tennessee went viral.
The video, shared by customer Brittany Smith, showcased Pulley in action, promptly delivering the order while riding the Ring doorbell camera.
Interestingly, despite this windfall, Pulley has no intention of retiring. He plans to return to delivering orders within a few days. The viral video sparked a significant fundraiser aimed at helping relieve some of the financial strain faced by Pulley and his wife, Brenda, who often accompanies him during deliveries.
“My wife worked for an insurance company, but she ended up losing her job,” Pulley explained. With their only income coming from Social Security, they struggle to manage bills and medication expenses. “After she left, we had to really tighten our belts. I got a bit lazy after retiring at 65, but then I realized I needed to get back to work.”
Pulley dove into DoorDash, completing around 6,000 orders, often with Brenda by his side. The work has given him a renewed sense of purpose, and it feels good to stay active, even amid unexpected fame.
Even with the generosity shown by many, Pulley emphasizes the satisfaction he gets from working. The fundraiser, aptly named “Give Richard Another Chance to Rest,” has now received over 32,000 donations, including a $20,000 contribution from DoorDash CEO Tony Hsu, who recognized Pulley’s dedication.
Last week, Smith took the Pulleys out to a local burger spot to illustrate the impact of the community’s donations, showcasing the generosity that has astounded them both after 56 years of marriage.
“I just can’t believe how many kind-hearted strangers have come forward to support us,” Pulley said. “It has taken a lot of weight off our shoulders and made life more bearable.”
Brenda remarked on their financial situation, saying, “I try to focus on the bills, but it’s overwhelming. Otherwise, it can lead to even bigger problems down the line.”
