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When U.S. veteran Gerry R. Brooks died in a nursing home in Maine, he died alone. Forsaken and abandoned in life, he seemed destined to remain so in death.That is, until hundreds of kind-hearted strangers who knew nothing about him dropped everything to stand in the sweltering heat of a summer afternoon just so they could say goodbye.
Losing your wallet is stressful. In addition to losing any cash you may have had in there, you typically keep credit cards, IDs, health cards, and other necessities within it as well. Canceling and replacing those cards can be a giant hassle.Luckily, what is lost can indeed be found again, when people with a good heart happen to get involved.A Devastating LossOne weeknight, a veteran named Marc Walsh lost his wallet outside of a grocery store in Detroit. He was devastated when he realized it was gone because he’d been facing some financial challenges.“Being unemployed and a disabled veteran it’s difficult for me to find work,” he explained to QC News. “So the money that I do have, I really needed it a lot, and so I was heartbroken to have lost my wallet.”He considered the item gone for good and didn’t bother reporting it to authorities. The next day he planned to start the process of replacing his cards when he received a surprising call from his roommate. Someone had tracked him down and returned the wallet, with everything still inside.“I pulled over on the side of the road and started crying, I was so happy,” Walsh recalled.Doing the Right ThingWalsh was curious about who returned his wallet, so he checked out the surveillance on his front door camera. What he saw shocked him. Two girls had found the wallet while walking to school, and once they opened it, they immediately tracked Walsh down to return it.At first, Walsh didn’t know who the girls were. But with help from local media, he was eventually able to identify 14-year-old twins Makhia and Makyla Vincent. “Basically you have to do the right thing… we knew we needed to return the wallet to the rightful person,” the sisters explained to LightWorkers. “That would be wrong to take someone’s wallet, especially when you know who the rightful owner is, and where you can find them.”According to the sisters, they also felt a connection with Walsh because their grandfather was a vet. As for Walsh, he was incredibly thankful. He rewarded the sisters with the cash that had been in the wallet as a thank-you for doing the right thing.“With children like that in our world, I have a lot of hope for the future. Honestly, it’s just really truly heartwarming,” he added to LightWorkers.Teaching the Next GenerationThis heartwarming story is even more so when you consider that two kids returned the wallet. As Walsh said, it just restores your faith in the next generation and in good people doing the right thing. It also reiterates the importance of teaching our kids kindness and not jumping to conclusions about who we think they are.Kids model behavior and are more likely to take lessons from home out into the world than we sometimes think they are. So, by showing them how we also lead with kindness and love and by always trying to do the right thing ourselves, we can help instill those values in children early on.At the end of the day, kids are the future. And it’s stories like these that just restore our faith in the goodness of people, despite the bad we may sometimes hear.More from Goalcast:Homeless Man Returns Lost Wallet, Gets Rewarded For His Integrity By 12-Year-Old Girl1-Year-Old Returns Lost Wallet to Owners Despite Being Poor – Little Did He Know What Was Coming Next20-Year-Old Finds His Lost Wallet Thanks to an Unbelievable Journey – and an Unlikely Hero
When Amanda Brochu received a ring doorbell notification on her phone, the last thing she expected to see was her driveway being "stolen" in broad daylight.The victim of a bizarre property scam, the single mom not only found herself suddenly driveway-less BUT ALSO on the hook for thousands of dollars to replace it. That is until a stranger stepped in and paved the way to renewing her faith (and ours!) in humanity. The Strange Case of the Stolen DrivewayAccording to Amanda, it all started about a week after she put her house up for sale in Orange County, Florida. Unsolicited contractors began calling her and showing up at her house, asking to measure her driveway so they could quote her the cost of replacing it.Confused, she told them she wasn't interested. But they just kept coming. By the fifth contractor, Amanda was really starting to question what was going on. When she confronted one of them she discovered that a man named "Andre" was posing as her landlord (which was impossible as Amanda owns the home) and had requested an estimate for a new driveway via text.When the now-suspicious contractor, Luiz, asked Andre for proof of ownership and payment up front, he was ghosted.However, Andre wasn't the only one who disappeared. A week later, Amanda's entire driveway did too. "While I was preparing to head out of town for my birthday and Christmas with my kids, I received a ring doorbell notification that someone was outside of my house, ripping up my driveway before my eyes," Amanda wrote on her GoFundMe page. "By the time, the cops got there the company that was tearing up my driveway had already completed the job and left my driveway with only dirt."And Amanda was left with a hefty estimate to replace it to the tune of $10,000. Already under contract on another house, it was money she didn't have. How One Stranger Restored a Single Mom’s Faith in HumanityWith the help of her real estate agent, Rocki Sanchez, Amanda created a GoFundMe campaign to try to raise money to pay for a new driveway. "The cost to replace the driveway is astronomical and I’m seeking some sort of help so I don’t lose the opportunity to purchase my forever home that my kids have already fell in love with. Thank you to anyone that can help and anything helps!" Amanda wrote.The bizarre case of the missing driveway quickly went viral, making headlines nationwide. Because...weird.And while 375 people donated more than $13,500, it was one man, retired U.S. military veteran, Mikol Rowland, who truly saved the day.Now the owner of his own concrete company, MM Concrete Specialty, Mikol was shocked when he found out what happened. He offered to replace Amanda's driveway for free. "Somebody was in need of something that we could offer," Mikol said. "We could bring some good into the world with it, so there was no question about it."In the end he estimated that the work cost his company approximately $4,000. But for Amanda? It was worth so much more.As for that stolen driveway? It turns out its not so bizarre after all. Rocki Sanchez posted about the missing driveway in a Facebook group for realtors and found out that Amanda isn't the only victim of the property scam.“I had multiple people come forward saying that they’ve seen things like this happen — whether it be driveways, roofs, painting, even outside the exterior. So it happens more often than we actually see it,” Rocki told WFTV.Single Mom Pays It ForwardAmanda was so grateful for Mikol's help that she decided to pay it forward. She disabled the GoFundMe campaign and donated the proceeds to The Russell Home — an Orlando-area nonprofit that provides housing and care for infants, children, and adults with severe disabilities.Mikol couldn't be more thrilled. "I would do it all over again. Ten times, if I could help the kids," he said. "It's just a win-win-win for everybody, and it feels good to hear a good story out in the news."What started out as a horrible act against someone turned into a heartwarming act of service and became the foundation for even more goodness. Just by helping one person with the skills and means that he could offer, Mikol ended up having a much greater impact than he could have imagined and made a difference not only in Amanda's life but the lives of so many others in his community as well. More from Goalcast: Man Finds Out a Thief Has Broken Into and Stolen From His Restaurant – His Unexpected Reaction Goes Viral Woman Finds Out Her Car Is Repeatedly Being Stolen – So She Leaves the Thieves This ‘Snarky’ Note in the Glovebox Bullied Boy Loses Hope After a Priceless Gift From His Grandmother Is Stolen – But His Best Friends Feel Otherwise
Parenting is a rewarding experience full of highs and lows, great days and not so good days. For new moms, it can also be an isolating and emotional experience. That early period is when you learn who in your community you can rely on, while others surprise you with their compassion and kindness.Unexpected kindness is definitely what one new mom experienced one day when she was forced to bring her baby to class. There, the professor surprised all students in attendance with a sweet gesture.An Unexpected ClassmateKaty Humphrey is more than a marine vet and a college student. She is also a wife and mother to a four-month-old girl named Millie. After spending 14 years as a gunnery sergeant in the Marines, the 33-year-old wanted to go to school for physical therapy and to eventually return to the Army or Navy to help her comrades.“A couple of my friends in Afghanistan got injured, and when I got back, I really felt a calling to go back to help them and other wounded warriors,” she told ABC News.Typically, Humphrey would have a babysitter come watch Millie when she had a class. But one day her babysitter canceled on her right before class started, and Humphrey had no choice but to bring Millie with her. Naturally, things didn’t go so well when Humphrey got there.Not only was Humphrey a few minutes late to her class, but once she arrived and tried to get settled, Millie began fussing and fidgeting. She didn’t want to sit in her carrier, which made it hard for Humphrey to pay attention.A Surprising GestureIn some cases, a professor might ask a student under those circumstances to leave. Dr. Darryn Willoughby was not that professor.“Dr. Willoughby saw me trying to soothe her, so he came by and picked her up for me,” Humphrey explained to the publication. When he did, the baby calmed down.“He told the class how one of the greatest gifts in life is being able to hold a baby,” Humphrey continued. “He talked about how he missed his two girls and being able to hold them when they were little. One is now in college and the other is in high school.”Willoughby continued holding Millie for the rest of the class, and she was perfectly content. The teacher got his baby fix and for a precious period of time, Humphrey was able to focus on the lesson.“Balancing being a student and parent can be tough,” she added, saying she’s grateful for the professor and for her “classmates who have so much empathy and compassion.”It Takes a VillageNaturally, the internet reacted kindly to Willoughby and his actions during a mother’s time of need. The story reinforced the idea that it takes a village to raise a child, and it also inspired others to be kind to new moms and to help one when they see her struggling.Sometimes all it takes is holding open the door for a mom with a stroller, or letting a mom with a fussy kid go in front of you in line at the store. Or perhaps you could hold a baby for a few minutes so that a mom can eat with both hands. Maybe you know a new mom who could use a nap or some time to herself to run errands, and you could offer to babysit for a few hours one day.Not only are you helping the mom out, but you may be surprised how much you benefit from hanging out with a baby, too. Raising kids is hard and full of challenges as well as rewards. But with a village, the experience is just that much more rewarding for everyone.More from Goalcast:Single Mom Skips Class to Take Care of Her Baby – Her Professor’s Response Stuns HerFlight Attendant Finds Passenger’s Baby Crying Out Of Hunger- Steps In With An Outstanding OfferMom Struggling With Fussy Son at Restaurant Decides to Just Leave – Then, a Waitress Takes the Baby to Do This
*Featured image contains photo by Ivan SamkovIn the ordinary hum of a lunch break, Marcus Pass from Cookeville, Tennessee found himself becoming an unexpected beacon of hope for an elderly man in need. What started as a casual lunch at Zaxby's turned into a remarkable act of kindness that illuminated the compassionate side of humanity.Why a Teen Laughed at a Struggling Elderly ManPhoto by Helena LopesAs Marcus savored his meal, the resonance of a teenager's laughter caught his attention. The young person was jesting about an old man grappling with the challenge of rising from a toilet. Marcus, sensing an opportunity to make a difference, didn't hesitate. He decided to investigate the situation himself.Entering the bathroom, Marcus heard the faint sound of the elderly man's tears. Concerned, he inquired about the man's well-being. The old gentleman explained his struggle — he couldn't stand due to weak legs, and his cane was left by the door.Marcus, displaying remarkable empathy, swiftly took charge. He instructed the elderly man to open the door, helping him rise and kindly pulling up his pants. During this simple yet profound act, Marcus noticed the Vietnam Veteran hat adorning the man's head. Gratitude was exchanged in the form of a heartfelt hug, and the elderly man, now 69, expressed that this was one of the most embarrassing moments of his life.Acknowledging the significance of the encounter, Marcus didn't stop at assisting the veteran. He walked the elderly man to the lobby and orchestrated an apology from the teenager who had earlier found amusement in the situation.How One Man Taught a Teenager a Lesson on EmpathyIn a poignant Facebook post recounting the incident, Marcus left readers with a powerful reflection: "Getting old is inevitable, but being a complete a**hole to a stranger is not."Life often surprises us with unexpected challenges, and in those moments, a stranger's kindness can be a guiding light. For the elderly war veteran, what began as his most humiliating moment transformed into a testament to human compassion, thanks to Marcus's intervention. Imagine the alternate scenario — what if Marcus had chosen not to extend his hand?Beyond assisting the elderly man, Marcus's actions held another layer of significance. By teaching a young person a lesson on the importance of empathy and respect, he sowed seeds of compassion that could reverberate through generations.Though a year has passed since Marcus's act of kindness, the resonance of his story on Facebook is a testament to the enduring impact of a simple, humane gesture. With over 102,000 likes and more than 46,000 shares, Marcus's narrative continues to inspire, reminding us that in the tapestry of life, compassion and decency can ripple far beyond the moment of action.More from Goalcast:Elderly Man Passes Away – Then, His Daughter Shows Up Clutching a Bag at His Neigbor’s HouseCouple Shops at Target When Their Toddler Yells at an Elderly Man Passing By – His Response Wasn’t What They Were ExpectingConfused City Workers Observe an Elderly Man Sitting in His Car – When They Find Out Why, They Secretly Start Doing This
Some of us may never know the true horrors that war veterans have gone through, but it’s safe to say that they served us in a deep and profound way that deserves nothing but the utmost respect.So this story of sheer goodness that came one veteran's way is a full-circle tale of heartwarming help.A Tough DayOne day, a 92-year-old veteran named Louis Hicks was having a tough day in Austin, Texas. He realized that people had been stealing power tools out of his back shed. He didn’t know what else to do so he dialed 9-1-1 to report the crime. An officer named Chasity Salazar responded.Salazar checked out the shed and the property and then asked if she could have a look inside the house. She must have sensed that Hicks needed help, but she didn’t want to spook him. Eventually, he agreed, and she went inside, where she found something horrific: Hicks was using his gas stove to keep warm.Many people know the dangers of leaving a gas stove on, but Hicks had no choice. His heater had previously burned a hole in the floor, and he couldn’t afford a new one. He knew he had to stay warm somehow. Still, Salazar didn’t say anything, and she left. But silently, she was already hatching a plan.Unexpected HelpAfter leaving Hicks, Salazar contacted her coworkers at the Austin Police Department. They, along with Austin Cops 4 Charities, Austin Police Association, and St. David’s Foundation, have helped people in need of air conditioning or heaters in the past.Finally, Salazar was able to get her hands on a new electric heater, which she then delivered to Hicks as a big surprise.“That's just what we do as police officers. I had realized that he's using the oven. I know that's not safe. His gas is on,” Salazar told ABC News.Hicks was immediately touched and explained how he hated to ask for anything because, as a veteran, he felt like sometimes people would look down on him.“I've never had no one to do nothing for me,” Hicks told the outlet, fighting tears. “After my mother passed away and left me to take care of my two sisters ... nobody never did nothing to help me.”Paying It BackFor Salazar, helping out Hicks was her way of thanking him for his service and for honoring his past. “He's just offered me a lot of kindness, too, so to know that he's also served, now I'm able to serve and give back to people like him,” she explained.The heater was just the first act of kindness, however. Salazar knew she wanted to do more to help this man, so she also spread the word through local news reports and within the community. Soon, people began bringing Hicks coffee, food, and other treats. The community also banded together to get the veteran some of the items he needed for his home.“It means everything. The things I've been trying to do since the '40s...I've been asking for help. And now, it just came in. God is good,” Hicks wrapped.Finding Opportunities to HelpThis story is a sweet reminder that not everyone in life knows how to ask for help or even feels as though they’re worthy of it. But by paying attention to others and asking yourself what they might need, you may find some surprising answers.Many of us fall upon hard times in life, and no one ever really knows what someone else is going through. But by leading with compassion and understanding, we can all make our corner of the world a better place. So lend that hand, make that donation, or look for old items that someone else may need.A person might not ask you for any of it, but it could be the thing they need most in life. More from Goalcast:Police Officer Intends to Ticket a Parked Car – But the Surprising Note the Driver Had Left for Him Changes His MindHomeless Mom Lives in Her Car With 2 Kids – Gathers Nerve to Ask Police Officer a Question That Changes Her LifeLonely 87-Year-Old Woman Calls for Help While Cooking Dinner – Police Officers Respond in the Best Way
For nearly 60 years, Johnnie Hodges Sr. called house #369 on Humboldt Parkway in Buffalo, New York, home. It's where he and his wife, Flora, raised their two children (Robin and Johnnie Jr.) and watched those children raise children of their own. And, after a lifetime of memories, it’s where he said his final goodbye to his beloved wife of 67 years.But priceless memories don't pay bills and banks never forget. So when 90-year-old Johnnie fell behind on his mortgage payment after incurring more than $73,000 in medical bills for his wife's Alzheimer's, he was evicted. Bank Evicts 90-Year-Old War VeteranAfter the war, Johnnie worked at Bethlehem Steel for decades, where he was the first African-American foreman before the company shut down the plant. He then worked part-time as a bus driver before retiring in his 80s to become Flora's full-time caregiver.It was during this time, living on a fixed income and with bills mounting, that his finances spiraled out of control and his house went into foreclosure. According to the owner of the mortgage, M&T Bank, they tried for four years to evade eviction. But eventually, they were left without options.“Under the rules that govern FHA mortgages such as this one, we went far above and beyond what was required, but there was nothing else we could do,” C. Michael Zabel, vice president of corporate communications at M&T, said in a statement. On July 9, the police showed up at Johnnie's door, eviction notice in hand.But Johnnie wasn't about to go without a fight. Finally, after a two-hour standoff, officers carried him out on a stretcher. His possessions were packed up and put into storage. A Stranger Rallies the TroopsGreg Elwood of Williamsville, New York, heard about Johnnie on the local news. Despite never having met him, his story struck a deep chord.Greg, 41, immediately knew he had to do something to help. But he knew he couldn't do it all on his own. So, he created a GoFundMe campaign to raise $50,000 to help get Johnnie back home.“He fought for us in WWII and now he needs our help to fight for his home!” Greg wrote on the page. As more and more news networks picked up the story, donations started pouring in. "We even received a donation from a 6 yr. old who raised the money at a lemonade stand," Greg wrote in an update. Four months and 2,000 donations later, more than $110,000 was raised — enough to buy back the house AND pay for some much-needed repairs."Our original goal was $50,000, that was the amount that Robin needed to purchase the home back," Greg told ABC News. "It's just a wonderful feeling to know that he'll be back in that home to be able to celebrate the holidays with the family. He has a lot of memories in that home. It's very clear he was close with his late wife Flora and I just feel good knowing that he's at peace."WWII Veteran Returns Home to a Hero’s WelcomeOn November 6, Johnnie finally returned home. The whole neighborhood came out to welcome him back, including elected officials and members of The Patriot’s Guard Riders, a motorcycle club.There was even a ribbon-cutting ceremony."I'm very happy to be back...and spend Christmas with my family in my home," Johnnie told ABC News. "There's nothing like being with your family. This is a beautiful home I have and it really is a pleasure to be here."As for Greg, he may have started out as a stranger but he's not anymore. He's become a treasured friend of the family's.And while he's undoubtedly the hero, he's not here for the credit. He just hopes that his actions will inspire others to see the power we all have to truly make a difference, together."My hope is that this campaign serves as an example of the great things that happen when people come together." Greg ElwoodMore from Goalcast:Couple Passes by Homeless Man Who Has Lived on the Streets for 3 Years – Decide to Give Him a Christmas He’ll Never ForgetMan Shows Up to a Pub to Play a Gig – Bumps Into a Famous Musician Who Helps Him Buy a HomeHomeless Student Nurse Couch Surfs to Survive–but Christmas Came Early When She Wins $6M Home in Lottery
Picture this: You're in the grocery store, just another day, loading up your cart with the usual essentials. Your mind is racing with thoughts of dinner plans and to-do lists. It's an ordinary day until something extraordinary happens, something that shakes you out of your daily routine.What One Stranger Did for an Army Veteran at a Grocery StoreMeet Larry, an Army veteran, on a routine grocery trip, his cart filled with just a couple of items. But what makes his day remarkable is what unfolds at the checkout counter.Larry, standing behind a disabled veteran named Stephanie, who had just had her groceries paid for by a generous news anchor, becomes the center of attention. The news anchor, having noticed Larry's military cap, stops him and says, "You served us. It's our turn to serve you now."Larry is stunned, looking into the news anchor's eyes, tears glistening. He hadn't expected any special treatment, just a regular grocery run. But now, he's led back into the store for more shopping, on the house.For veterans like Larry, life after service comes with its own set of challenges, from healthcare to employment. This gesture isn't just about free groceries; it's a powerful symbol of gratitude for his sacrifice and service."It made me feel good to be an American, to be recognized. It was so special," Larry emotionally explains. And the impact goes beyond him. Store employees and fellow customers are swept up in the wave of positivity.How One Kind Act Can Change a Person’s PerspectiveThis heartwarming story quickly spreads on social media, a reminder that simple acts of kindness can have a profound impact. Other local shoppers also receive free groceries that day, spreading joy.In a world often dominated by negative news, this tale is a breath of fresh air. It reminds us that small acts of kindness can not only brighten someone's day but also change their perspective on life. Larry's words capture it perfectly, "It's moments like these that make you realize there's still a lot of good in the world."This true story of unexpected generosity renews our faith in humanity and encourages us to believe in the better angels of our nature.More from Goalcast:WWII Veteran Has Kept a Photograph of a 14-Year-Old in His Pocket for 78 Years – Then His Mystery Girl Showed UpYoung Girl Tells Worried Mom She Talks to a Veteran Every Morning — Their Shared Conversations Are Surprising
When Uber driver Lauren Mulvihill picked up 89-year-old Ronald Dembner from the Veteran's Hospital in Henry County, Georgia, she immediately sensed it wasn't going to be a typical fare.It was obvious that he was struggling and in bad shape. But it wasn't until they arrived at his home that her worst suspicions were confirmed. Expecting to be greeted by family members, she was greeted by something out of a nightmare episode of Hoarders instead. Mr. Ronald's home was covered in a thick layer of filth and littered with trash. Piles of debris and grime plastered the counters, carpets, and walls, and the stench was overwhelming. Widowed and previously deceased by his two sons, he had no one to assist him. Even the home care nurses had stopped coming to visit as a result of the deplorable living conditions. He was completely alone, except for his dog, Homer, who had taken to defecating in the house. Unable to clean up after himself or Homer but terrified of losing his home and his dog, Mr. Ronald was too afraid to reach out for help. Mulvihill, however, was not. Uber Driver Calls in the TroopsHorrified by what she witnessed, the single mom of two decided to take matters into her own hands. She spent hours on the phone, contacting DFCS, the fire department, adult services, the Chamber of Commerce, Habitat for Humanity, and the Salvation Army.No one could offer any help."Everybody said, mentally he's fine, he's just older. So nobody will help," she told 11 Alive.Finally, with all other resources exhausted, she posted a call to arms on Facebook, creating the group, Helping Mr. Ronald. She explained the situation, writing in part:"I drove him home and he asked me to help him inside. It. Is. Appalling. The man lives alone and cannot keep up with his pets. The house is deplorable."She went on to explain that "the main issues are dog poop (1 dog) and general disrepair (no railing on the stairs, soiled carpet and furniture, etc)"She knew it would take an army to make things right. Luckily, she had found one, 2000 strong. The troops rallied. A Community Picks Up When an Elderly Veteran CannotDozens of volunteers came forward armed with cleaning supplies, tools, and an overwhelming desire to make a difference. Within a week, Mr. Ronald's home was stripped apart and deep-cleaned from top to bottom. Volunteers removed all of the garbage, the old furniture, and the old, moldy carpet.It was just the beginning. Help continued to pour in. One husband/wife team provided free fencing, a veterinarian saw to Homer's rabies shots and flea treatment, and a local caterer offered up free meals. Additionally, numerous tradespeople spent their off-hours working for free; installing new flooring, painting the walls, and rebuilding the deck, all with donated supplies from community members and area businesses.In addition to the structural improvements, Mulvihill also set up appointments for nurses and health care support to start coming to the home again. “He is so thankful, he cracks me up. He keeps saying, ‘I don’t know what I did to deserve all of this from all you guys,’” said Mulvihill. “It’s giving him hope that he will be taken care of.”When We Transform the Lives of Others, We Also Transform Our OwnWhile Mulvihill and her army of volunteers may have made a life-changing difference in Mr. Ronald's world, she says it made a difference in her world as well."I will never forget their help, their love, for the rest of my life. I will never forget it," she said. "We will never forget you either," she added, talking to Mr. Ronald.Because that's the thing when we help each other. It's not just about making a positive impact on someone else's life; it's about the profound effect it has on our own lives. When we extend our hand to lift others up, we inadvertently lift up ourselves too.More from Goalcast:Woman Learns Her Boyfriend Can’t Make It to Their Weekend Getaway – So She Asks Her Uber Driver to Take His Place InsteadUber Driver Helps Woman After Her Belongings Were Stolen at Coachella – So She Raises $200,000 for HimUber Driver Donates a Kidney to His Passenger – Here’s Why He Insists It’s Not a Coincidence
69-year-old Roy Jurina knows what it's like to struggle. He is just one of the 38,000 veterans experiencing homelessness in the United States.And yet, despite the fact that he can barely rub two pennies together, he was willing to give everything he had to help a fellow human in need. And now? Thanks to one man and the power of social media, his tiny handful of change has just multiplied three thousand-fold.One Homeless Veteran’s Simple Act of Kindness Proves That’s All It Takes to Change a LifeIn a TikTok video that has gone viral, Roy is approached by a stranger asking him for a dollar so he can buy a donut or some bread. Roy knows he doesn't have a dollar to spare but it doesn't stop him from digging into his pocket and handing over the little he does have — 27 cents."Sometimes I wind up giving every dime and then I find more money," Roy tells the stranger.Turns out that stranger is actually social media star, Jimmy Kellogg, known as Jimmy Darts to his 14 million followers. And Roy? He is about to find a whole lot of money. On any given day, Darts, a 26-year-old Minnesota native, films himself asking a stranger for a small favor. Sometimes it's to ask for money to buy a meal or sometimes it borders on the ridiculous, like asking someone to wash his toy car or hold his fake toucan and feed it Froot Loops in Walmart.While most people refuse his request, every once in a while he meets a good samaritan willing to lend a helping hand. When he does, he rewards the unsuspecting person for their good deed with $500 cash. Or more.On this particular day, that good samaritan is Roy.Darts is so moved by Roy's selflessness that he immediately hands over $500 in cash. At first, Roy is skeptical, asking if Darts is going to report him for stealing the money. Eventually, he accepts the money, saying he'll use some of it to stay in a hotel and take a bath — but not before he makes certain that Darts is taken care of as well. "You have a place to stay too?" he asks Darts. (This man is seriously a national treasure.)Stranger Raises $68,000 for Homeless VeteranNot only does Darts give Roy $500, but he decides to go one step further. Unbeknownst to Roy, he starts a GoFundMe campaign called "Help Roy A Homeless Veteran Off The Streets!" He sets the goal to $20,000."Let’s change his life forever and raise enough funds for Roy to get a vehicle and a place to stay! No veteran should have to be homeless on the streets!" Darts writes on the page.The masses agree.Less than 12 hours later, the goal is smashed. And today, the fund is sitting at $68,000 and still climbing.One Good Turn Deserves AnotherIn a follow-up TikTok, Darts meets up with Roy 12 hours after they first met. Before sharing the life-changing news, Roy heartbreakingly tells the TikToker, "If I was to swim out there and drown, nobody would even care. I thought, well, you know, eventually my son would find out. He'd care a bit. But that's about it.""That's the biggest lie on the planet," Darts tells him before revealing that his followers are gifting him over $35,000. Shocked and fighting back tears, Roy can't believe it. "Wow...I'm glad I didn't drown, I would have missed out on a blessing I wouldn't have even realized." Roy JurinaAnd that's the thing about life, isn't it? We never know what it has in store for us. But if we just keep going...if we help each other and don't lose touch with our humanity, despite whatever it is that life throws our way...we have the power to truly make a difference, in others' lives as well as our own — one simple act of kindness at a time.More from Goalcast:8-Year-Old Passes by Homeless Woman Sleeping on the Street Every Day – This Encounter Inspires HerHomeless Couple Couldn’t Afford to Get Married for 24 Years – Then a Stranger Throws Them a Surprise Wedding
