A West Melbourne family's struggle with their autistic teen just got a little easier — thanks to some home improvement store employees and a little elbow grease.

It's go time for 15-year-old Jeffrey Schwartz — "go kart" time, that is.

Jeffrey is autistic, so it's tough for his family to find things for him to do.

"We have a lot of struggles with him, and we are raising him for life," his mother, Lori Schwartz, said.

Jeffrey's stepfather bought a used go-kart, but it wasn't running right.

He brought it to the West Melbourne Home Depot Tool Rental, hoping an oil change would help.

"We were like, 'You know what, let's try and help this family out a little bit,'" said Chris Lopez, a Home Depot employee.

That's an understatement.

Over several days, Lopez and his coworkers transformed the old, beat up go kart into one as good as new.

"Helmet, water bottle, made it his own so he can enjoy it when he goes home," Lopez said.

It's freshly painted with Home Depot's trademark orange and black colors, of course.

There are also personalized touches, like a work vest with his name on it.

His stepfather took it on a test run in the parking lot. Then it was Jeffrey's turn to take it for a spin.


West Melbourne Home Depot workers look on at their handy work. (Greg Pallone, staff)

Until he gets some practice, Jeffrey's new buddies gave him a push without the engine running. The look on Jeffrey's face said it all.

"He doesn't smile much or show a lot of emotion, but we know this is for him," Schwartz said.

And for the handy heroes, it's more than all in a days work.

"I wish we could follow him home and see him go, but that's OK," smiles Lopez.

The family said they will record Jeffrey riding the go-kart at home, then show the workers his progress.