Fundraiser to help DeLand shoe shiner Rufus Pinkney

In 1970, Rufus Pinkney set up his shoe shining business in a shed in a corner of a DeLand public parking lot. The 84-year-old man works every week day, shining and fixing shoes for lawyers, neighbors and local business owners. He passes his time without customers playing his harmonica.

This week, Pinkney’s shop is closed. A note on the door says he’s in the hospital. Pinkney had a stroke. When some of his friends and customers heard the news, they knew they had to help. They set up a go fund me site.Neighbor and former customer Jordan Rovelto said,He’s the kinda guy that deserves it. You see go fund me started all the time for all the wrong reasons but this is a good one."

In less than 24 hours, more than $4,000 was collected for Pinkney. We talked to Pinkney briefly on the phone on Wednesday from his hospital room. He said he really appreciates all the prayers and support.

His friend, Alex Moyer, visited Pinkney in the hospital with his daughter, Sharon, and his son, Rufus Jr. Moyer wrote, “They are so grateful for all of the support they have been receiving. I wish everyone could have seen the smile on Rufus's face when I showed him, he held my hand so tight and said the lord blessed him. He is right!”

Click here to support Rufus's Fundraiser for Bills by Alexandra Moyer.