It was a sad scene: a 90-year-old New Hampshire Air Force veteran known only as “Donald” was seen on camera pawning jewelry to collect enough money to pay his back rent and spare him and his dementia-stricken wife from eviction.

But a pawn shop worker and TikToker named Jenelle Marie met Donald and stepped up to the plate, starting a GoFundMe campaign that has raised over $350,000. Who says Americans don’t care about each other?

Donald was in dire straits:

TikToker Jenelle Marie started the GoFundMe for the New Hampshire man, who was identified only as Donald.

Marie ran into Donald at U.S. Gold and Pawn in Manchester, and he told her about his trying situation.

Donald told Marie he’s been caring for his ailing wife, and fell behind on his rent, after his landlord increased it.

“He’s deathly afraid he’s going to be displaced and that they are going to make his wife go to a home,” she explained.

Watch the beautiful moment when the clearly stressed Donald, trying to figure out how to come up with enough money for his expenses, is surprised by a gift of $1,200 in cash. "I could kiss you,” he tells Marie, almost crying. “Oh my goodness.” Little did either of them know that many more donations were soon to pour in. 

90 yr-old disabled AF Veteran Donald, had to pawn jewelry in order to care for his wife, recently diagnosed with dementia.

His rent was recently increased, and he was so upset that he couldn’t give his wife the care she deserves, so his friend, Jenelle Marie, and 25 friends,… pic.twitter.com/gVnbQYANY2

— 🇺🇸ProudArmyBrat (@leslibless) August 10, 2024

His rent was recently increased, and he was so upset that he couldn’t give his wife the care she deserves, so his friend, Jenelle Marie, and 25 friends, gathered $1,300 to help him. He was overwhelmed with gratitude.  

She then set up a GoFundMe for him, not expecting it to go viral, but his humble story made the news. The amount raised is now at $307,000!  

This is such a beautiful story. Tears!  

GFM link is in the comments if you’re able to help.

Is there dust in here? Something's making my eye water:

"You can't do this... I can't let you do this," the stunned vet says as he’s handed the money. But Marie insists:

“I know your struggling, I know you’re trying to take care of your wife,” she said. “I appreciate your [military] service.”

Donald was able to keep the jewelry thanks to the $1,200. He also paid off his debt to his landlord, with $80 leftover. [More money from the GoFundMe came in later.]

“You’re an angel in disguise, you really are,” he tells Marie. “I don’t know what to say, I really don’t know what to say.”

“This is the best birthday present anyone has ever had,” added Donald, who turns 91 on August 25.

There is so much negativity that can emanate from social media, and I’ve rarely been impressed with some of the toxic weirdos on TikTok. But this episode shows that a lot of good happens online too, and Jenelle Marie just proved it. As the donations continued to pour in, she added an update to the GoFundMe page: "You ALL are angels in disguise and THIS type of love is what this world needs."

You are today’s hero, Jenelle, and happy, happy birthday, Donald. I hope this just made it a whole lot better—for you and your wife.

This is one in a series about everyday heroes that don’t necessarily make the front pages. It’s a chance to talk about something other than Kamala's cackling, Walz's stolen valor, and the imminent conflict in the Middle East.

I’m inviting readers to send me stories of people they know or who they’ve read about who have done heroic acts—large or small, physical or otherwise—that have made someone’s life better or saved them from danger. Please email me with any tips at [email protected] or DM me on Twitter. Thanks!

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