MABANK, Texas — A 76-year-old Vietnam veteran who came out of retirement to work long hours as a DoorDash driver to help pay for his family’s mounting health care expenses has received an outpouring of support from strangers after one of his late-night customers launched a GoFundMe campaign on his behalf.
Larry Phillip Colvin, a proud Vietnam veteran who had retired after working as a repairman, returned to the workforce about 10 years after leaving it when rising health care costs for his wife and son outpaced his Social Security income. He began making deliveries, often working six days a week with shifts running late into the night.
Earlier this month, one of his customers, Savannah Lynn Saulters, received a pizza delivery from Colvin at 10 o’clock at night. Moved by the sight of the elderly veteran still working such demanding hours, Saulters decided to help. She set up a GoFundMe page titled “Support for DoorDash Dad’s Sick Son” to assist Colvin and his family.
In a recent interview, Colvin expressed how overwhelming the response has been. “It’s overwhelming what she’s doing. I can’t wait to meet her. Thank you. It’s just… I’m overwhelmed,” he said when asked about Saulters reaching out after seeing him deliver her pizza.
Colvin explained that he went back to work because he was forced to by the family’s circumstances. “I do whatever I got to do to make ends meet,” he shared. He added that he never imagined anyone would step in to help in this way.
The veteran described the heavy toll on his family: his son has three autoimmune diseases and is scheduled for back surgery later this week, while his wife also faces health issues. “That is a lot,” he acknowledged when discussing their situation.
When asked whether the donations raised so far would allow him to stop working and spend more time with his family, Colvin replied that it “remains to be seen.” He noted the uncertainty of future medical needs, saying, “You never know what’s going to happen in the future and never know how much it’s going to come to.”
In the interview, Colvin was shown a photo of himself with his wife, wearing his cowboy hat. He spoke warmly about the kindness of strangers who have contributed after learning of his service to the country and his family’s challenges.
As of the time of the interview, the GoFundMe had already reached $88,000. Supporters can find the campaign by searching “Support for DoorDash Dad’s Sick Son” or “DoorDash Dad” on the platform.
Colvin expressed deep gratitude to everyone who has donated. “That’s definitely God working on people’s hearts. I thank each and every one of them. And there’s no way I could thank them enough,” he said.
The story highlights a growing trend of baby boomers returning to work as delivery drivers amid financial pressures, often drawing mixed reactions from communities. In this case, however, it has inspired widespread kindness and support for a veteran simply trying to care for his loved ones.
Colvin continues to emphasize his willingness to do what is necessary for his family while hoping the generosity allows for a healthier and more restful future ahead.