I have a similar story. I was probably 22 and my car was in the shop, which was across town. When I got the call that it was ready, it was only an hour before the shop closed but I figured I could walk the distance in that time. After a while it became clear I wasn't going to make it, even running (which I had been doing for a bit). Exhausted and with only 5 minutes before the shop closed, I asked a guy at a gas station if he could give me a ride. He said sure, got me to the shop no problem and even refused money I tried to give him for his time and gas.

Looking back, it probably wasn't that big a deal for the guy. He only had to drive me a handful of blocks, so it's not like it was way out of his way or cost him more than a couple dollars in gas. But at the time, it felt like he saved my life. I was able to get my car back and get to work that night, and all was well. It's amazing how big of a difference a small kindness can make.