There aren’t words to fully capture what happened Tuesday afternoon at Harvey K-8 at Copperstone, but if you were there — you felt it.
Staff and students watched with tears in their eyes as Laron Cain, a beloved paraprofessional and 1:1 ESE aide, was surprised with a gift that will change her daily life.
She walked out to staff holding a giant banner in front of a pre-owned Nissan, purchased through the kindness of the Harvey community.
But Laron says it’s not about the car.
“It’s about the love, support, encouragement, and motivation,” she said. “That’s what makes Harvey stand out from all the other places.”
Until now, Laron had been spending $30 to $45 each way on Uber rides from West Bradenton to Parrish just to get to work — a route that the county bus system doesn’t yet reach.
Staff members began taking turns making sure she got safely home, but there were days no one was available to offer a ride.
One night, with no other options, Laron walked six hours home.
Still, Laron never missed a beat. She showed up for students. She stayed late for after-care shifts.
She became part of the Harvey family, even though she had only been there since August.
When staff at both Harvey campuses, Copperstone and North River Ranch, learned the full extent of Laron’s struggle, they quietly began raising funds.
A Harvey family — owners of Sun and Suds Car Wash — matched their donations.
Another staff member reached out to Cox Chevrolet, who worked quickly and compassionately to ready a reliable vehicle.
And on Tuesday, it all came together. Administrators even stayed late to help Laron navigate and acquire car insurance.
Tears flowed. Hugs were shared. Students cheered.
Laron received far more than a set of car keys.
She received proof that she’s seen, heard, and deeply valued.
Laron’s path to Harvey wasn’t easy.
A teen mom who spent 18 years working in insurance, she knew her purpose was elsewhere.
Through years of personal loss and hardship, she held onto a passion for working with children, whether through volunteering or church youth ministry.
She enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program at Manatee Technical College - and while attending a district job fair last summer, she found her way to Harvey K-8.
That day, she found more than a job. She found her people.
As a member of the school's house system, Altruismo, known as the “House of Givers,” Laron believes in the power of lifting others.
“Giving back is the heart of Harvey,” she said. “We don’t know who we’re helping, or who we’re shaping these kids to be.”
Laron wants to become a second grade teacher, and is well on the road to making those dreams come true.
She is grateful the community she serves every day has given back to her.
“Even on the hard days… there’s no place like Harvey,” Laron said.