ELKINS, WV (LOOTPRESS) – In a heartwarming turn of events, Randolph County Sheriff Rob Elbon shared the positive news that Zayne’s lost wallet, containing every dollar and personal item, was returned Tuesday.
The altruistic act unfolded when Dale Chewning discovered the wallet on the night Zayne misplaced it.
With no identifiable information inside except the name “ZAYNE” and an astronaut on the outside, Chewning took to Facebook in an attempt to locate the owner.
After days of searching, a breakthrough occurred when Chewning’s wife, Kristene, who works at Walmart, stumbled upon a post regarding a recent arrest involving the retail giant.
While perusing the sheriff’s office Facebook page, she noticed the lost wallet post, prompting her to take a screenshot and share it with her husband.
Upon receiving the information, Sheriff Elbon promptly contacted Dale Chewning, who described the wallet and arranged a meeting after his work at AHF in Beverly.
The reunion took place at Walmart, the very location where the wallet had been lost.
As Elbon and Zayne approached the entrance, they were greeted by the Chewnings, wearing broad smiles that conveyed their genuine kindness.
During the meeting, Dale Chewning handed over the recovered wallet, and an unexpected gesture followed – he revealed he had added an extra $10 to the wallet. Despite Elbon’s request for him not to, Chewning insisted, expressing his desire to contribute.
What makes this story even more remarkable is Dale Chewning’s disclosure that, had it been a few years earlier, he might not have hesitated to take the money.
However, Tuesday marked three years of sobriety for him, signifying a transformative journey towards recovery.
Sheriff Elbon, deeply moved by the Chewnings’ honesty and integrity, described them as humble and kind, emphasizing that he is proud to now consider them friends for life.
In a message to the community, he encouraged others to congratulate Dale and Kristene for their honesty and trustworthiness.
Moreover, he commended Dale for overcoming his past struggles with addiction, highlighting the positive changes in his life.
