Raleigh man who does good deeds gets a huge one in return

But it was he who was receiving a gift.

Racine hasn’t driven a car in nearly a decade due to his license being revoked in Massachusetts after three drunken driving arrests. After he moved south, he became involved with Hope Community Church in Raleigh and stopped drinking.

Now he travels across the state by train to minister prisoners.

“If I can just touch one life in there, through all the years, then I’ve done my job,” he said.

Sunday is Good Deeds Day, a tradition started in Israel in 2007 and promoted by Jewish communities around the world. The tradition is also celebrated by other faiths and cultures.

Every year, Hope gives its congregation money to do good in the community.

This year, Racine was the beneficiary of their good deeds. He was presented with a check for $11,178.68 to help with reinstating his license and getting a car.

“You are truly a light in the darkness,” said Nicole Raquec, who hosted Sunday’s gathering.