Recently in Texas, a group of high school students raised enough money for an elderly custodian to afford retirement. The custodian had come out of retirement due to financial strain from inflation. The 80-year-old man is known as Mr. James, who had to take the job after his rent increased significantly.
Students at Callisburg High School quickly stepped in to help this elderly man return to his retirement. Local student Greyson Thurman organized a fundraising campaign with the title, “Getting Mr. James out of this school.” The description read, “Hey guys I’m having a fundraiser for our janitor who is struggling to pay his rent. He had to leave retirement to continue to pay his rent that was raised. Just a little will change his life!!”
The students behind the fundraiser initially sought to raise $10,000. However, they quickly surpassed that goal reaching it in the first 12 hours. Within a week, they had raised over $160,000. As of the most recent update, the fundraiser has collected well over $270,000 as publicity of the campaign has spread like wildfire.
“It’s just so sad seeing an 80-year-old man having to do things an 80-year-old shouldn’t have to do.” said Callisburg senior Banner Tidwell. “It’s crazy to see something that, we knew people would have wanted to help,” said senior Marti Yousko, “But we didn’t know it would blow up.” Callisburg Principal Jason Hooper said he was proud of the efforts of his students and community. “It’s just amazing,” said Hooper, ”You know of the need that was met because of three kind kids, but of all of our students who have pitched in to help that need.”
Greyson Thurman initially spread the word through his Tik Tok account which had 2,000 followers. A video posted by the student showed the custodian cleaning the halls and contained a link to the fundraising campaign. This proved to be enough to get the word out to everyone who donated. The most recent update on the fundraiser reads, “Thank you everyone who donated and helped Mr. James enjoy his retirement, he asked for us to take down the GoFundMe today, He is VERY appreciative of everyone willing to give up their time to help him out and change his life. You all have shown what can happen when everyone gets together to help others!!! I think God did this to show that no matter how much evil there is good will always show it’s self! Mr. James thanks you all!! God bless yall!”
Another post on the page read, “Thanks so much to everyone that has donated and spread the word to help Mr. James. You all have made a huge impact on him that will forever change his life.
We will keep the GoFundMe donation link up until noon on Friday, 2/24/23, so that he can enjoy his retirement. God bless you all!!!!”
It is amazing to see how acts of kindness can go such a long way for those in need. Particularly with the advent of social media, raising money can be scaled up to massive proportions.
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