Now and again, a story surfaces which inspires faith in humanity. The following is one of those tales..
When Joel Cervantes was driving through the Little Village district of Chicago, Illinois, he happened to spot an elderly man pushing a popsicle stand up the street. The 89-year-old had stooped shoulders and an exhausted demeanor, and should so clearly be enjoying retirement instead of working, thought Joel.
For this reason, the activist decided to do what he could to improve Sanchez’s situation. First, he purchased 20 popsicles for the price of $50. Then, he snapped a photo of the vendor and wished him well. His philanthropy didn’t end there, however. The entire car ride back to his home, Cervantes brainstormed of how he could help the man. Then, an ingenious idea hit him…
With the aid of his friend, Joe Loera, Cervantes set up a Go Fund Me campaign for the popsicle vendor with a goal of raising $3,000 to ease his financial struggles. You can imagine Joel’s surprise when, just two days later, he learned that the campaign had raised more than $280,000 thanks to nearly 13,000 donors.
When Cervantes told Sanchez of his good fortune, the 89-year-old man was overwhelmed. He explained that times had been tough since his daughter, who had been financially supporting him and his wife, had passed away only a month prior. With bills stacking up, he had no choice but to take to the streets and do what he could to earn an income. For a while, his wife had been helping him sell popsicles, but then she fell ill and couldn’t work.
Fortunately, neither Sanchez nor his wife should ever have to work in their lifetimes again. This incredible story is proof that amazing things can happen when kind-hearted people collaborate to enact positive change.
Cervantes wrote on the Go Fund Me page:
“The Sanchez family really appreciates all the love and support that they are receiving from people from all around the world. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you to all the people who tag me and have nice things to say. I wish I can respond to every single one of you. GOD IS GOOD!”
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