The Texan retired to work as a janitor. These students raised over $200,000 for him.

TEXAS, USA. Mr. James spends most of his time cleaning the hallways of Kallisburg High School in Texas.

Many students might walk past him, but the three high school students couldn’t help but notice their 80-year-old janitor.

“It’s just so sad to see an 80 year old man having to do something that an 80 year old shouldn’t be doing,” Banner Tidwell told KXII News.

Mr. James is working as a caretaker after retiring last month due to rising cost of living. To help him return to retirement status, some students decided to share his story.

All it took was one TikTok video and a GoFundMe account called “How to get Mr. James out of this school.”

“It’s crazy to see what you know – we didn’t know – we know people would like to help, but we didn’t know it was going to explode,” said Marty Yusko.

“I have 2,000 subscribers and that was enough to make it known,” Grayson Thurman said.

A TikTok video showing Mr James cleaning raised $10,000 in 12 hours. Most of the donations came from students.

Principal of Kallisburg Jason Hooper said he was proud of all his students who decided to help Mr. James.

“It’s just amazing, you know about the need that was met thanks to the three kind children, but also to all of our students who took part to help this need,” he said.

GoFundMe was launched on February 15th and has already surpassed its $200,000 goal.

“You all have been a huge influence on him that will change his life forever,” Thurman wrote on his GoFundMe account on Thursday.

Thurman said the GoFundMe account will remain active until Friday afternoon so Mr. James can enjoy his retirement.

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