Drive Thru Difference

Columbia, SC (WLTX) — People from around the Midlands are finding a unique way to pay if forward.

As Tracy Wages’ hungry little one waits in the back of the car, there is no better place to be than at the Chick-Fil-A drive-thru. But the stop is about more than a dinner for two.

“I’d like to pay for the car behind me,” said Tracy to the cashier.

Tracy is looking to brighten a stranger’s day. Along with the cash for the next driver’s meal, she also hands the cashier a short note.  As she drove away we watched the next driver in line pull up to the window.

“You can do little things to make other people happy,” said Tracy.

Tracy makes three trips through the line. The last recipient is a woman named Ashleigh Martin. She was brimming from ear to ear when she heard her meal was free. “It was very rewarding, very nice,” she smiled.

Tracy is not working alone; this is what’s called the “Drive-Thru Difference.” It is promoted and encouraged by the people at 89.7 WMHK.

“We hope we can just start this viral thing. It’s not just a free breakfast, lunch, or dinner,” said Program Director Steve Sunshine.

Listening to some of the stories coming out of the outreach, it is clear Sunshine is right.

“My mom went through the drive-thru in Blythewood and someone paid for her meal. It was just such a blessing. This family has gone through so much,” said one caller who was crying and overcome by emotion.

“We thought it was a joke. It made my day,” said another.

From the sounds of things the idea is spreading.

“As I go to pay for mine and the person behind me, the girl at the window goes, somebody already paid for yours. I’m like huh?” said another caller.

Remember that note Tracy left at the counter?

“Hi, you don’t know me, but I wanted to pass along a small blessing and hope it somehow brightens your day. God bless, the stranger in the car ahead of you,” read Martin.  

“This is awesome,” she said.

It is a gift that will keep on giving.

“People doing this for me inspires me to go out and do the same thing, and to be uplifting to others as well,” said Martin.

WMHK had originally planned to promote the idea just for a short period of time. But because of its success they plan on continuing throughout the year.

(Click HERE for original article.)

From WMHK:

What a great time to show you care by helping your neighbor with a little bit of practical generosity. Do you want to be part of spreading the love of Jesus to others during these tough times?

If so, it’s as simple as downloading the Drive Thru Difference letter, paying for the person behind you at your favorite drive-thru and touching a stranger who may really need the encouragement.

Then listen to 89.7 WMHK on Fridays to hear how your Drive Thru Difference may have encouraged someone else.  We love to hear how the Lord is using your tiny bit of generosity to minister to others.

After all, a little love can go a long way…

To download a pdf of the Drive Thru Difference letter, click HERE.