Go green, use plastic! Remind him he may have a debit card or credit card in his wallet.

Maybe he could see if there's anything in the U-haul that he doesn't need that he could get 10-20 bucks for? I don't wanna say any of the other ways I could think of.

Hey, somebody did say something about the cops. I know here(MN) when someone is in a situation like that they give them a gift certificate for gas from Salvation Army to help them on their way.

Grab a bashing tool, offer to keep an eye on someones car for $20

There should be an emergency number to call on the toll ticket. I am sure they have had people get stranded before, & they probably have a way of billing him for the toll. They also might have information on local resources to get him some gas & a meal.

Is that dude still there?

He was finally able to get some help late Sat. morning (after spending a very cold, miserable night in the truck)...his brother (who was out of state & unreachable that night) called the truck co. & explained the situation...they sent out another truck, which drove him the 40mi or so to the nearest Western Union & then back again...& only charged him $51 for a "repair call"...

Just a little info: The toll plaza had gates in front, so he was unable to run the toll & be billed later (it was a great suggestion but unfortunately, not doable in this situation)...he did have a small checking account in Rhode Island but the service plaza did not accept out-of-state checks...pan-handling is illegal & no one just out of kindness for the situation walked up to offer him help...peddling without a permit is illegal, however he did take some stuff out of his truck to "rearrange" it..people walked over to see what was going on but none were in the mood to buy antiques at 10pm at night...

Thank you all for the helpfull suggestions & concern ...& to the ones who offered smart-a$$ ideas...let's just say, you're "help" was given all the consideration it deserved. This man was only trying to see his kids for the holiday season & trying to pick up inventory to make a living & survive in these tough economic times. Unfortunately, he was short about $20. This was not "lack of planning"...he was doing the best he could. Thank goodness he did not suffer from "lack of planning" when he was wounded in Afghanistan & the man next to him was killed last March...I suppose his service to our country doesn't deserve at least a modecom of compassion. But hey...that's another Forum...

Thank you, Krupa for your offer of help...Mike wanted me to tell you that he really appreciates it & hopes to talk to you soon.