Thousands Of Strangers Raise $222,410 For 90-Year-Old Vet Pushing Shopping Carts To 'Make Ends Meet'

A 90-year-old veteran from the US Air Force found himself working hard just to afford his meals until a flood of donations from kind-hearted strangers made a big difference through a fundraising effort.

This past Monday, the 27th of May, Karen Swensen, who used to be a news anchor, spotted an elderly man laboring in the sweltering heat at a grocery store in Metairie, Louisiana.

It was a hot day, hitting 90 degrees with the heat index soaring to 103 degrees.

Later that same day, Karen went on YouTube to post a video of the veteran, identified as Dillon McCormick.

YouTube / Karen Ronquillo

In the video, Dillon was busy with the shopping carts, moving them 'back and forth, stacking cart after cart', and sometimes handling more than twenty at a time under the scorching sun.

Karen explained in her video, "Mr. Dillon McCormick pulled and pushed his way through the maze of cars. I watched a few others help him and thought the best way I might help would be to share his story."

Upon talking to McCormick, Karen learned that he was 'working to eat' and needed '$2,500 per month to live'.

However, he was only getting about '$1,100 from social security', pushing him to take on the physically demanding job.

She noted: "He had the kindest smile and greatest attitude. He is grateful for his job and his work ethic speaks for itself," she reflects.

YouTube / Karen Ronquillo

Continuing her story, Karen added: "Mr. McCormick's mom lived to be 104.

"His said his grandmother was an Irish immigrant who came over to America in the late 1800's as an indentured servant after slavery was abolished.

"He is not afraid of hard work but he's tired. And hungry. And frustrated. He is a veteran of the United States Military. It's Memorial Day. It's hot. 

"Mr. McCormick was born in 1933, making him a part of the Silent Generation. Please, America, let us be his voice. We can do this.

"No donation is too small. If we could raise even enough for him to retire for a year, it's something. Thank you!"

The 90-year-old was working in 90 degrees heat YouTube / Karen Ronquillo

Following her appeal, Karen set up a GoFundMe page for McCormick, and the response was swift and generous.

Just one day after the launch, the GoFundMe campaign 'surpassed its initial goal of $35,000, enough to cover McCormick’s expenses for just over a year', according to the fundraiser page.

Subsequently, the goal was increased to $200,000 to secure a more comfortable retirement for him.

"His mother lived to be 104 years old, so he'll need some padding!" Swensen joked. 

By the following day, the 29th of May, the fundraiser was closed by Karen, after achieving an incredible total in donations.

The GoFundMe reached an astonishing $222,545. Karen announced: "Thank you to all who donated to Mr. McCormick's fund. Together, we raised more than $220,000 in 24 hours, enough for him to retire!!

"Should he choose to remain working, it will be just that - his choice. No longer will the 90-year-old veteran have to push shopping carts in triple digit heat to put food on his table.

"He won't have to walk to work (should he choose to remain); he can Uber instead, or buy a car. He will live out his days in comfort and security. Tomorrow we will begin the process of transferring the funds.

"What a delightful day awaits for him! God bless all of you and God bless our veterans."