NEW ORLEANS — A GoFundMe was launched for a 90-year-old U.S. Air Force Veteran who is working as a cart pusher to make ends meet.
Former WWL Louisiana anchor Karen Swensen witnessed Dillon McCormick pushing carts on Memorial Day and decided that she could help by sharing his story.
He told Swensen that he is working to eat and needs $2,500 a month to live. He says he only gets $1,100 from Social Security, so he has to work.
Swensen started the GoFundMe for the military veteran on Monday.
As of 9 p.m. on Tuesday, more than $220,000 had been raised.
Swensen updated the GoFundMe page to explain her decision to increase the original goal from $35k to $200,000.
"Thank you!!! We surpassed the initial goal of $35,000, which would cover Mr. McCormick's needs for a little over a year," Swensen posted. "Increased the goal to $200k – let's help him retire retire. His mother lived to be 104 years old, so he'll need some padding!"
The 200K goal was reached Tuesday evening, and McCormick can retire if he chooses to.
Swensen has disabled new donations for the fundraiser and thanked everyone for contributing.
"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," Swensen said on the GoFundMe post. "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."
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