The students managed to raise almost 300 thousand for the janitor, who is 80! He deserves to retire
A group of students has raised more than $270,000 to allow their school’s 80-year-old janitor to retire.
Greyson Thurman, Marti Yusko, and Banner Tidwell created the campaign for Mr James, the school custodian at Callisburg High School in Texas.
He had been enjoying his retirement until a rent increase forced him to return to work in January.
The trio established a GoFundMe page with an initial goal of $10,000 to cover his rent, food, and monthly bills — but the response has been overwhelming.
Mr James was forced to work as a school janitor last month after his rent was increased by $400.
But seeing his return left the trio of students feeling uneasy.
‘It’s just so sad to see an 80-year-old man having to do things that no 80-year-old man should have to do,’ Banner said to KXII.
On February 15, the trio decided to launch a fundraising campaign with the following message: ‘I’m having a fundraiser for our janitor who is struggling to pay his rent.
‘He had to leave retirement to continue paying his rent, which had been raised. ‘A little bit will change his life!!’
In addition to the fundraiser, Greyson posted a TikTok to his 2,000 followers encouraging them to donate.
The clip, which has received over 24,000 views, shows the school custodian pushing his cleaning trolley through the halls.
It was overlaid with text that read: ‘This is our 80-year-old janitor, who had his rent raised and had to return to work. Let us assist Mr James.’
‘My classmates and I hate seeing Mr James here, no one his age should have to clean up our messes just to live,’ he added in the caption.
And the donations poured in, quickly exceeding the $10,000 goal in just 12 hours.
More than 8,600 donors contributed $270,905 to the campaign, which ended earlier today.
‘It’s crazy to see something that, we knew people would want to help, but we didn’t know it would blow up,’ Marti told the outlet.
In a February 23 update, Greyson shared a photo of the trio with the janitor and said, ‘Thank you so much to everyone who has donated and spread the word to help Mr. James.
‘You all have had a huge impact on him that will change his life forever.’
‘God bless you all!!!!’ he concluded.
‘It’s just amazing,’ said principal Jason Hooper to KXII. You know of the need that was met because of three kind kids, but of all of our students who have pitched in to help that need.’
FEMAIL has contacted the school to inquire whether Mr James will now retire.
