The group, known as Friends of Lakewood, brought Kendrick the present at his work. As they arrived at the crosswalk, they stopped—then parked.

The group then told Kendrick the car was his responsibility to move as it (now) belonged to him.

See the exchange below:

Kendrick, a retired city employee who has affectionately become known as "Mr. Kent" to students during his 10-year tenure as a crossing guard, was moved to tears.

"My mother told me long before she passed, 'Take care of your wife.' So I try my best," Kendrick said.

As for the present, he said, "It's wonderful; I enjoy it." 

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“Our members cannot be bought off,” General President Sean O’Brien said in a social media statement, calling UPS' offers “illegal and haphazard.” (Hyosub Shin/AJC 2023)

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC