Texan students helped their elderly janitor retire by raising money when they learned he couldn’t afford rent and had to return to work.
Students With a Heart of Gold
Three high school seniors from rural Texas raised more than a quarter of a million dollars so their 80-year-old school custodian could retire again.
The trio — Greyson Thurman, Marti Yousko and Banner Tidwell — from Callisburg High School launched a GoFundMe campaign on Feb. 15 that generated more than 8,000 donations totaling about $260,000.
Most of the donations came from Callisburg students and staff, the students said.
Caring Students Help School Janitor
Thurman posted a TikTok showing the elderly man cleaning the hallway with a link to the fundraiser, and within less than two weeks, the viral post raised more than $270,000 from over 8,600 donors.
“This is our 80 y/o janitor who had his rent raised and had to come back to work. Let’s help Mr. James out,” text over the video read. “No one his age should have to be cleaning our messes up to continue to live.”
“It’s amazing,” Callisburg High Principal Jason Hooper told CBS affiliate KXII. “The need that was met because of three kind kids — of all of our students who pitched in to meet that need,” he said.
Janitor Remains Anonymous
Watch the viral TikTok video asking for donations for their janitor.
Hooper told CBS MoneyWatch that Mr. James, who didn’t want to disclose his full name, wants to avoid the spotlight. The school hired James last month and, not long after, “Our kids saw a need, went out and met it,” Hooper said.
Callisburg High School is a high school located in Callisburg, Texas. We want to thank each student for their generous gesture and the help, and relief the $269,000 brought to he and his wife.
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Awesome students!!!!
Raised by good parents!!!!