A New Hampshire woman has set up a GoFundMe for a disabled 90-year-old US Air Force veteran who she says pawned his jewelry to help care for his wife, who suffers from dementia.
TikTok user Jenelle Marie created a page that raised more than $150,000 for her “older friend named Donald,” after she filmed him pawning his jewelry and then surprised him with an envelope containing $1,300. The heartbreaking video has been viewed more than 4.6 million times on TikTok.
Marie wrote on the GoFundMe page that Donald is caring for his wife “around the clock” because the couple have no children or close relatives.
“He’s the sweetest old man you could ever meet and he loves his wife dearly,” she said.
In the video, after Marie hands Donald the money, Donald says, “When I have some extra money, I’ll call you soon and invite you to lunch.”
“We appreciate it, but we’re just happy to do it,” Marie replied. “It comes from myself, my fiancé, and about 25 other people.”
Before leaving, Donald can be heard saying in the video, “I’m so excited… this is amazing.”
How did Donald get into financial trouble?
Marie said Donald’s financial problems began when his landlord increased his rent and “he started falling seriously behind on all his payments.”
“He is extremely scared that he will be evicted and his wife put into a nursing home,” Murray wrote on the GoFundMe page. “I am currently looking for a new home that is within his budget and am hoping to raise funds to help ease his financial burden.”
Marie said the goal of the donation is to help cover the cost of a one-bedroom, first-floor apartment or house for Donald to rent in the Manchester, New Hampshire, area.
“I’ve looked into all the resources available, including Section 8 housing for my son, but the waiting list is just too long,” she said.
“I wish we could do more for veterans.”
Marie posted an update to her GoFundMe page on Wednesday, detailing how the virality of Donald’s video and the outpouring of support prompted her to extend the fundraising effort, with a donation goal of $200,000.
“Next time he comes, we’ll give him more money,” Murray said. “Thank you so much to everyone who donated and shared this fundraiser. I wish we could do more for our nation’s veterans who risk their lives for each and every one of us.”
Here’s what one night in January 2023 looked like, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
35,574 veterans experienced homelessness. 20,076 veterans were sheltered, while 15,507 veterans were unsheltered. Most veterans (98%) experienced homelessness as individuals. Of these individuals, 30% experienced chronic homelessness. 87.8% (31,231 veterans) were male and 11.2% (3,980 veterans) were female.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there has been some progress, with the number of veterans experiencing homelessness down about 5% since the beginning of 2020 and down more than 52% since 2010.
