Texas Students Raise $200K To Help Retire 80-Year-Old Janitor

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A group of students decided to raise money for an elderly janitor who re-entered the workforce after his rent was increased.

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Callisburg High School students in Texas set up a GoFundMe account for the school’s 80-year-old janitor, Mr. James. On February 15, they started a fundraiser with a goal of $10,000 to cover his rent, food, and other monthly expenses. According to Insider, Greyson Thurmon created the account and posted James’ story on TikTok to help raise money for his retirement.

“Hey guys, I’m having a fundraiser for our janitor who is struggling to pay his rent,” the campaign, posted by a student named Greyson Thurman, read. “He had to leave retirement to continue to pay his rent that was raised. Just a little will change his life!” Thurman explained. After posting the TikTok video, it has been viewed over 20,000 times.

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Thurman explained to another outlet that it was unfair how James had to work again after retiring from another job and said he has the right to enjoy his life.

“Nobody deserves to work their whole life. They deserve to enjoy everything,”

Another student, Marti Yousko, also teamed up with Thurman and their friend to create the fundraiser for James. She said he agreed to the fundraiser but didn’t want any media attention and is very grateful for their kindness.

“We knew being in a small town like Callisburg that people would want to help and people would want to support us, especially with something like this, but I don’t think we ever imagined that there’d be like news channels here. Someone as sweet as him deserves this. There is no question about it,”

After the video went viral on TikTok, several commentators commended the students for their efforts to help out James. One user wrote, “So sweet. 🥺🥺 This guy must’ve been around for my family who went to callisburg. Thank you for doing this! ❤️” Another said, “You guys raised over a quarter of a million!!! Congratulations to everyone involved!!! And he can enjoy the rest of his life in retirement”

“You and your friends did a beautiful thing. We need more people like you in the world. All your parents should be extremely proud.”

“Awesome job! Be proud of what you and your classmates did🥰

“This is awesome to see high school students showing so much compassion for someone that has worked hard”

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