Joseph Charles Tindal and Gibson Bell were working as sign holders near the street outside a Domino’s in Ellettsville on July 3 when a car veered onto the sidewalk and hit a mailbox on the property next door.
The mailbox pole and the cement it was in ripped out of the ground and hit Tindal’s right leg.
“I thought I was going to get hit by the car,” Tindal said. “I think I was going to be dead but thank God I'm not.”
Now the community is showing support for “Joe,” 46, who needed six stiches in his leg and is in a walking boot, and Bell, who sustained scrapes and bruises.
Numerous people expressed love and support for Tindal through comments on social media.
A regularly held charitable event at Domino’s, Super Saturday, will raise money on behalf of Tindal and Bell.
The money will go to Stone Belt, a nonprofit that provides resources and support for people with disabilities, and to the Edgewood High School football team.
Stone Belt and the Edgewood High School football team were chosen before the accident. Tindal has used Stone Belt services and Bell is on the football team.
The event will be from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday at the Ellettsville’s Dominos.
There will be a dunk tank with all proceeds going to Tindal. This will provide Tindal with additional support. His medical expenses and missed pay are already covered.
“I’m thankful for all my friends,” Tindal said. “I thank God and my church at House of Prayer.”
Ellettsville Dominos General Manager Jennifer Russ said people have already dropped off money for Tindal and the chosen nonprofits.
Russ said Tindal has brought joy to his coworkers and shows what it means to be dedicated.
“Joe shows up in the rain, the heat, the sun, no matter what weather we have, and he's here,” Russ said. “And he comes into work with a smile on his face and anybody here can be having the worst day ever. You never know. And Joe makes it better.”
Domino’s expects to raise thousands of dollars.
“I'm really looking forward to being able to see the community come together for really great causes,” Russ said.