‘No one his age should be cleaning up our mess’: High school students raise more than $270,000 for their 80-year-old janitor so he can FINALLY retire — after a rent increase forced him to go back to work
- The janitor, referred to only as Mr. James, works at Callisburg High School, Texas
- He enjoyed his retirement, but had to go back to work last month
- But three students have set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for the custodian
A group of college students has raised more than $270,000 to help their 80-year-old school janitor retire.
Greyson Thurman, Marti Yusko and Banner Tidwell created the campaign for the school custodian, called only Mr. James, at Callisburg High School in Texas.
He enjoyed his retirement, but had to go back to work in January after a rent increase.
The trio put one GoFundMe page with the original goal of $10,000 to temporarily cover his rent, food and monthly bills – but the response has been overwhelming.
Greyson Thurman, Marti Yusko and Banner Tidwell (pictured next to the janitor) created the campaign for the school custodian, just called Mr. James, at Callisburg High School in Texas
Mr. James (pictured) was enjoying his retirement, but had to return to work in January following a rent increase
Mr James was forced to take the job as a school janitor last month after his rent was increased by about $400.
But seeing his return made the trio of students feel uneasy.
“It’s just so sad to see an 80-year-old man have to do things that no 80-year-old should be doing,” Banner said. KXII.
The trio decided to launch a fundraiser on Feb. 15, stating, “I have a fundraiser for our janitor who is struggling to pay his rent.
“He had to retire to keep paying his increased rent. A little bit will change his life!!’
In addition to the fundraiser, Greyson also posted a TikTok among his 2,000 followers to encourage people to donate.
In addition to the fundraiser, Greyson also posted a TikTok among his 2,000 followers to encourage people to donate
The campaign, which closed earlier today, raised $270,905 from more than 8,600 backers
In the video, which has been viewed 24,000 times so far, you can see how the schoolmaster pushes his cleaning trolley through the corridors.
It was covered in text that read, “This is our 80-year-old janitor who had his rent increased and had to come back to work.” Let’s help Mr. James.”
He added in the caption, “My classmates and I hate to see Mr. James here, no one his age should have to clean up our mess to live.”
And the donations soon started rolling in, reaching the $10,000 goal in just 12 hours.
The campaign, which closed earlier today, received $270,905 from more than 8,600 backers.
Mr. James was forced to take the job as a school janitor at Callisburg High School last month after his rent was increased by about $400
FEMAIL has contacted the school to ask whether school custodian Mr. James is now retiring
Marti told the outlet, “It’s crazy to see something that we knew people would want to help, but we didn’t know it was going to blow up.”
In an update posted to the page on Feb. 23, Greyson shared a photo of the trio next to the janitor and said, “Thank you so much to everyone who donated and spread the word to help Mr. James.”
“You all made a huge impact on him that will change his life forever.”
He concluded: ‘God bless you all!!!!’
Director Jason Hooper told KXII, “It’s just amazing. You know the need that was met thanks to three nice children, but also all our students who contributed to fill that need.’
FEMAIL has contacted the school to ask if Mr. James is now retiring.