In December 2022, a TikTok user was shopping at a Walmart in Maryland when he came across 82-year-old Butch, an older gentleman who was working at the register. The social media user was inspired by other TikTok users who had used their platform to fundraise for workers in similar circumstances and decided to create a GoFundMe page for Butch.
The post explained that he was moved by the sight of the older man still “grinding” and working 8 to 9 hour shifts. He wanted to help Butch, a Navy veteran, to live the remainder of his years traveling to see his kids in Florida.
The post called upon the internet to give what they could to help Butch, with the goal of getting him off his feet and allowing him to do the things he loved that he may not have been able to afford otherwise. It clarified that every penny would go to Butch, and his daughter Janette had confirmed that the funds could be withdrawn on her father’s behalf.
The campaign ended up collecting over $100,000, which was presented to Butch via a comically large check. It was heartwarming to see a community come together for one of its deserving seniors.