Over $200K Raised For Elderly Veteran Pushing Shopping Carts In 90-Degree Heat On Memorial Day

GoFundMe contributors quickly raised more than $200,000 for 90-year-old air force veteran Dillon McCormick after a news anchor made the story of him pushing shopping carts in the hot sun go viral.

Karen Swensen, a former news anchor in New Orleans, was dismayed to encounter McCormick working outside in 90-degree heat in her home state of Louisiana on Memorial Day.

His plight encouraged her to start a GoFundMe, which was later shared by “Today” co-host Hoda Kotb on social media. “Let’s all help him,” she urged her 2.5 million Instagram followers.

 

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“Mr. McCormick is working to EAT,” the campaign said. “He needs $2500/month to live and says he only gets $1100 from social security. So he must push carts in triple digit heat to make ends meet. He had the kindest smile and greatest attitude. He is grateful for his job and his work ethic speaks for itself.”

“He pushes carts for HOURS. I met regular shoppers who say they see him doing this ‘all the time.’ Some, like a 73-year-old man with a limp, get out to help him. Many do double takes,” it said. “He is not afraid of hard work but he’s tired. And hungry. And frustrated.”

“He is a veteran of the United States Military. It’s Memorial Day. It’s hot. Mr. McCormick was born in 1933, making him a part of the Silent Generation. Please, America, let us be his voice. We can do this. No donation is too small. If we could raise even enough for him to retire for a year, it’s something. Thank you!”

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Viewers answered the call, reaching the fundraiser’s goal of $200,000 in 24 hours, the GoFundMe update stated.

“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,” it said.

“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.”