Over $320,000 has been raised online for a 90-year-old Air Force veteran who was recently filmed at a pawn shop trying to unload jewelry so he could pay his back rent, sparing him and his wife with dementia from eviction. The GoFundMe campaign was started by TikToker Jenelle Marie for the New Hampshire man, who was identified only as Donald.
Marie encountered Donald at U.S. Gold and Pawn in Manchester, where he explained that he had fallen behind on his rent after his landlord increased it. He shared that he has been struggling to take care of his ailing wife while trying to make ends meet financially.
Before the fundraiser gained significant traction, Marie posted a video in which she handed Donald an envelope containing the $1,200 she had raised for him at that point. In response, Donald expressed gratitude and disbelief: “I could kiss you,” he said, as tears welled up in his eyes. He initially hesitated to accept the money from her, but Marie insisted on helping him out, expressing her appreciation for his service in the military.
Thanks to the $1,200 donation, Donald was able to keep the jewelry and pay off his debt to his landlord, with $80 left over. He expressed immense gratitude towards Marie, calling her “an angel in disguise.” The veteran also shared that this unexpected act of kindness had given him the best birthday present he had ever received, as he turns 91 on August 25th.
Jenelle Marie is not only helping Donald and his wife financially but also assisting them in finding more stable housing options to ensure their well-being and comfort in the long run. The overwhelming support from the online community has undoubtedly made a significant impact on the lives of this elderly couple during a difficult time.
