More than $320,000 was recently raised online for a 90-year-old Air Force veteran who was filmed trying to sell off his jewelry at a pawn shop to pay past due rent, helping to save him and his wife, who has dementia, from eviction.
TikToker Jenelle Marie Started a GoFundMe The New Hampshire man was identified only as Donald.
Marie met Donald by chance at US Gold and Pawn in Manchester and he told her about his predicament.
Donald told Marie that he was caring for his sick wife and had fallen behind on rent payments because his landlord had increased the rent.
“He is deathly scared that he will be evicted and his wife will be institutionalized.” She explained.
She posted a video before the fundraiser began, at which point she handed Donald an envelope containing the $1,200 she had raised.
“I want to kiss you,” Donald said through tears. “Oh my god.”
Donald even tells Marie that she cannot accept the cash, but she is adamant.
“I know you’re struggling. I know you’re trying to take care of your wife,” she said. “You [military] service.”
Donald was able to keep the jewels thanks to the $1,200, and also paid off his debt to his landlord, leaving him with $80.
“You really are an angel in disguise,” he told Marie. “I don’t know what to say, I really don’t know what to say.”
“This is the best birthday present anyone could ever get,” added Donald, who turns 91 on Aug. 25.
Murray said she is also helping the couple find more stable housing.
