Students raise more than $230K so 80-year-old janitor can retire

[progressoid]

CALLISBURG, Texas (KXII/Gray News) - Three seniors at Callisburg High School in Texas noticed a need within their school’s community and quickly responded.

KXII reports a custodian who students call Mr. James reportedly had to rejoin the workforce as a custodian last month due to the rise in cost-of-living expenses.

“It was just so sad seeing an 80-year-old man having to do things an 80-year-old shouldn’t have to do,” said Callisburg High School student Banner Tidwell.

Earlier this month, another student, Greyson Thurman, shared a TikTok video that showed Mr. James cleaning the halls and started a GoFundMe to possibly get some financial help for him.

“I have 2,000 followers and I guess that was enough to get the word out,” Thurman said.

The fundraiser effort was able to raise $10,000 in the first 12 hours, with most of the donations coming from students.



more...https://www.wowt.com/2023/02/24/students-raise-more-than-230k-so-80-year-old-janitor-can-retire/

'Merica! Fuck Yeah!

[Salviati]

1. One of those "feel good" stories...

... that is actually an indictment of American society.

It is good that they did this, it's sickening that they have to.

[progressoid]

2. +1

yep.

[crickets]

3. +1000000

[whathehell]

4. Every silver lining has a cloud!

..Fuck yeah!

[Sky Jewels]

6. Reminds me of this:

“You work three jobs? Uniquely American, isn't it? I mean, that is fantastic that you're doing that."

~ George W. Bush, to a divorced mother of three, Omaha, Nebraska, Feb. 4, 2005

[whathehell]

7. I thought of that too, but

it's not really the same -- Bush's reaction to that woman was typical Right Wing spin. I thought the kids reaction was great and something to be celebrated awhile before going the "America sucks" route.

[Sky Jewels]

8. Right. The kids are great. I just meant that the situations were similar.

So many types of people can't get by without working themselves to death, both literally and figuratively, including older Americans who had jobs their whole lives. And TBH I do agree with the "America sucks" sentiment because a "great" country should have an outstanding safety net for people like this man and the divorced mother of three.

[calimary]

10. Yep. This is gratifying as can be! But it's not enough.

I’m so grateful to see a story like this! But I’m hoping it inspires WAY beyond this.

Maybe one of those compassionate students will run for office someday…

Public policy could use some compassion, too.

[whathehell]

18. The situations are similar, but

while happening too often, they're not necessarily "typical" of our society.

I see a lot of binary thinking in this thread. For instance, while America may not -- at this moment especially -- be "great", it hardly deserves a "world's worst" designation either. People who feel otherwise should probably get out more -- In addition to a broader, less binary perspective, they may find a place they'll be happier.

Though I'm not of the "Love it or leave it" bent, I'm likewise, not of the "Hate it and stay".

[Evolve Dammit]

12. I remember that. One of 1000's of stupid utterances out of that clueless man child. nt

[appalachiablue]

23. ++ Wonderful, inspiring kids, bravo!

[ybbor]

14. Exactly

And that we have veterans standing on corners begging is also atrocious!

[paleotn]

17. Exactly.

[hibbing]

19. Yep n/t

[LetMyPeopleVote]

5. These students are amazing

[sarge43]

9. These kids nowadays ...

they are great.

[orleans]

11. it's up to $270,905! wowza! NT

[Evolve Dammit]

13. Nice job students!

[Ziggysmom]

15. It's a great story, wonderful kids, BUT..... there are thousands more like Mr. James out

there. Just last week, I stopped at my local Target. The older lady at the check out register told me she was afraid to drive in the ice and snow we got last week, but she could not afford to stay home. She needed the money for necessities.

[rlegro]

16. One assumes the gentleman was on retirement benefits

Social Security and Medicare, that is. If not, then that says something bad about this country. If he was, then that ALSO says something bad about this country.

[James48]

20. Sad.

How can we have a society that has multi-billionaires with ten houses, yet an 80 year old man has to go back to work as a janitor in order to pay us bills. Corporate Capitalism sucks.

Texas sucks more than most.

[Botany]

21. I hope those wonderful students invite Mr. James to stay part of the school's family

BTW is it dusty in here? Something is in my eye.

[BamaRefugee]

22. This is great, but I'm just curious: how much tax will Mr. James have to pay on that?

Wish someone would Go Fund Me! Self UNemployed currently at 71, just had 2 stents put in my heart a few months ago and then a herniated disc in December, I'm 2 weeks out of surgery for that! Haven't *self employed* for 3 months now.
BUT I PERSIST!

[progressoid]

24. Probably not

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/money-received-through-crowdfunding-may-be-taxable-taxpayers-should-understand-their-obligations-and-the-benefits-of-good-recordkeeping

Under federal tax law, gross income includes all income from whatever source derived unless it is specifically excluded from gross income by law. In most cases, property received as a gift is not includible in the gross income of the person receiving the gift.

If a crowdfunding organizer solicits contributions on behalf of others, distributions of the money raised to the organizer may not be includible in the organizer's gross income if the organizer further distributes the money raised to those for whom the crowdfunding campaign was organized.

If crowdfunding contributions are made as a result of the contributors' detached and disinterested generosity, and without the contributors receiving or expecting to receive anything in return, the amounts may be gifts and therefore may not be includible in the gross income of those for whom the campaign was organized. Contributions to crowdfunding campaigns are not necessarily a result of detached and disinterested generosity, and therefore may not be gifts. Additionally, contributions to crowdfunding campaigns by an employer to, or for the benefit of, an employee are generally includible in the employee's gross income.

Taxpayers may want to consult a trusted tax professional for information and advice regarding how to treat amounts received from crowdfunding campaigns.

[ProfessorGAC]

26. Found This Too

Do I have to pay taxes on a $50000 cash gift?
If you receive a gift, you do not need to report it on your taxes. According to the IRS, a gift occurs when you give property (like money) without expecting anything in return. If you gift someone more than the annual gift tax exclusion amount ($16,000 in 2022), the giver must file Form 709 (a gift tax return).

I was unaware that receiving gifts like this are not taxed.

[ProfessorGAC]

25. K&R

Really nice story. Good on those kids.