‘I feel the love': Donations pour in for campus crossing guard

Sherita Baker started crying when she got a text that the GoFundMe was up to $4,000. Seeing that notification quickly turned a normal Thursday at work into a day she would never forget. 

Baker, the crossing guard known for her kind demeanor and loving personality, has worked at UNC since 2021. She and her husband, Cole Baker, are celebrating their one-year wedding anniversary in November. 

Sophomore Hannah Benson saw a post on YikYak that Baker and her husband wanted to do something special for their anniversary, but probably wouldn’t be able to afford it. She wanted to help out in some way, and was encouraged to set up a GoFundMe by her friends. 

Benson asked Baker’s permission before she started the GoFundMe to make sure she was comfortable with it. 

“At first, I was kind of reluctant and I didn’t want to say yes because I don’t do it for recognition,” Baker said. “I do it because I want everybody to know that somebody’s out there watching them, that somebody cares. That’s what matters to me, honestly.”

With Baker’s approval, Benson posted the link to the GoFundMe on Thursday to YikYak, and it spread to other social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook shortly after. The GoFundMe gained traction almost immediately after it was posted, with donations totaling more than $3,000 by the end of the day. 

Now nearing $4,500, the GoFundMe has almost tripled its initial goal.

“I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Baker said. “It really means a lot. I never expected you guys to donate as much as you have, and I really appreciate it. I feel the love.” 

Tiffany Lang, a first-year student, is one of around 400 donors so far. She found the GoFundMe through Instagram and said people were sharing the link to donate on their stories and talking about it both in-person and online. 

“Mrs. Rita spreads positivity to our community through her bright and kind personality,” Lang said. “I don’t see her often because I normally take the bus, but she radiates positivity and kindness, which brightens my day the few times I see her at her crosswalk post.”

Baker said she was overwhelmed by the generosity of the students and members of the community. She called her husband right away to tell him the news, and she said he was in disbelief. The couple thanked God for the support they were receiving, and said the money was coming at a time when they needed it the most. 

“I was really struggling last week, but this just shows the miracle of God,” Baker said. “He really brings people into your life for a reason.” 

Benson said she was grateful she could help, but emphasized that it was a group effort to get the GoFundMe to where it is now. She said she was shocked by how much money the campaign raised in a short amount of time, but said it shows the power of Baker’s love for everyone on campus. 

Benson said she wanted to show Baker the same kindness she shows to so many others and was happy that the donations could help her feel appreciated. 

“I hope that it reminds her that she does make a difference every day she shows up, and that we’re all so grateful to have her on our campus,” Benson said.

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