Americans are opening their wallets to a homeless man who captured their hearts this week when he purportedly took a $100 donation and stunned observers when he used it to buy food for other homeless strangers in a California park.
Now the homeless man, whose name is said to be Thomas, has been treated to a hot Christmas Eve dinner and is apparently staying in a warm hotel room.
Meanwhile, donations are pouring in to help him get back on his feet. A fundraising campaign has thus far collected more than $107,000 and rising.
As WND reported, YouTube star Josh Paler Lin, who is known for his viral video pranks, recorded an experiment to see what a homeless man would do after being given $100.
Lin said he had expected Thomas to buy liquor and get drunk.
But that was apparently not the case at all.
After giving the man the cash, Lin followed him to the Euclid Liquor Market.
A few moments later, the video shows Thomas emerging with his bag full. Lin presumes there is alcohol inside.
However, as he kept following, he watched as Thomas went to a park and then began handing out food items to other people in need.
"I feel I owe you an apology," Lin told Thomas in the video, as he finally let him know he had been secretly recorded.
"You thought I was gonna get all smacked up drunk, huh?" Thomas asked.
"Actually, I thought you were going to buy alcohol or something," Lin admitted.
"There's things money can't buy," Thomas explained. "I get a happiness out of what I'm doing."
Watch the video:
When Lin asked Thomas how he came to be in dire straits, Thomas explained: "Basically I was living with my parents and my stepdad had cancer, and they were getting hospice, but it didn't cover … the insurance only pays so much. I quit work because I had to be available. So, he passed away, then two weeks later my mother passed away from kidney failure. The building they're in is being sold, the condo, and I all of a sudden found myself homeless."
Lin was so moved, the video shows him pulling out another $100 to give it to Thomas.
"I'm stunned," said Thomas.
"I'm stunned," responded Lin.
Thomas told Lin, "There's a lot of people that are just victims of circumstance and they didn't go homeless because they're lazy or … it could be a divorce, one thing leads to another and the man sells his boat, his home, everything, and all of a sudden he finds out he's got no money. There's a lot of good people that are homeless."
The YouTube video has gone viral, with nearly 22 million hits in just four days.
Lin set up a fundraising page for Thomas at Indiegogo, saying, "We want to help him to get a fresh start. 1) Help Thomas to get a cellphone so that he can keep in touch with me, 2) help him to either get his condo back or get him stay at a place that he can call 'home,' 3) help him to get a career that he deserves and start his new life again."
Meanwhile, Americans are taking to Facebook to express their delight in Thomas' deed and the outpouring of kindness. The following are some comments posted:
- I'm SO proud to be an American when I see stories like this. There's a LOT BETTER life to be had from helping someone out, instead of protesting and rioting!!!!
- I'm touched!! God is pleased with you and everyone who donated, including the ones who had a desire to give but couldn't. God is blessing all of us for this remarkable act of kindness!!
- Merry Christmas, Thomas! Thanks for teaching us that giving back is the most important thing a person can do!! You are an inspiration!
- There is a very special place in heaven for you both. Thank you for giving me faith in humanity and setting an example of empathy for us all.
- Completely in awe of your actions. More people need to be as giving as you. This has sparked the real meaning of Christmas. God bless you both!
- So glad he'll be in a warm bed with a full stomach. I hope someone gets him a job and a place to call home
- This was a very encouraging true-life story. Never judge your fellow man unless you have lived their story to tell it. Always extend a helping hand
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