In a remarkable turn of events, Chad Volk, the owner of LC Car Care in Lake Crystal, Minnesota, recently returned a long-lost wallet to its owner, Richard Guilford, a retired autoworker from Michigan. While working on a 2015 Ford Edge, Chad discovered the wallet hidden beneath the vehicle’s air box while replacing its cooling fans.
Intrigued by the find, Chad rummaged through the wallet, uncovering Richard’s Ford Motor Company employee ID. With the help of social media, he was able to track down Richard, who was pleasantly surprised when Chad reached out to him, asking, “Is this your wallet?” Richard, who had lost the wallet years earlier while fixing electrical issues on Ford Edges at a plant, recalls the emotional moment when he realized it had been found.
The lost wallet had quite the journey, having traveled from Michigan to a dealership in Arizona before making its way to Minnesota. Richard humorously recounted his initial panic when he lost the wallet at work, stating that he had searched tirelessly among thousands of vehicles but never thought to check beneath the air box.
Fortunately, the wallet contained not only cash, which Richard confirmed was intact, but also valuable gift cards he had obtained over a decade ago. Cabela’s confirmed that the cards, intended for Christmas shopping for his children, remain valid.
In a heartfelt Zoom call, Richard thanked Chad for his honesty and integrity. The unlikely friendship formed between the two car enthusiasts serves as a reminder of the kindness that still exists in the world, bridging their two lives through an unexpected treasure within a vehicle.
Chad humorously noted that he might need to search through car engine bays more often, potentially uncovering other lost items and stories in the process. In a world often filled with negativity, this story highlights the value of honesty and serendipity, leaving both men with a memorable tale.