Woman raises over $100K for homeless man who gave her his last $20

Thanks to a New Jersey woman, a homeless man is going to have a good Thanksgiving this year.

According to 27-year-old Kate McClure, she was driving into Philly one night when she ran out of gas. After pulling to the shoulder on the highway, 34-year-old Johnny Bobbitt Jr., a homeless man who she usually sees sitting at the side of the offramp holding a sign, approached her.

When Johnny learned she was out of gas, he told her to get back in the car and lock the doors. Just minutes later, he returned with a gas can with $20-worth of gas. It was his last $20.

Although McClure, couldn’t repay him at that moment, she’s been sure to be back at Johnny’s spot to give him warm clothing and a few dollars. Johnny never asked her for a dollar. She was so moved by his selfless act that she wanted help him in a more substantial way. That’s when she set up the GoFundMe account.

Writing in the GFM’s bio, McClure talked about how selflessness was a consistent trait of Johnny’s.

“One day I stopped to see [Johnny] and had a few things in a bag to give him, one of which was a box of cereal bars so he could have something that he could carry around and eat,” McClure wrote. “He was very appreciative as usual and the first thing he said was ‘do you want one?’  Another time I dropped off 2 wawa gift cards and a case of water. [The] first words that came out of his mouth were ‘I can’t wait to show the guys’ (there are 2 others he hangs out with and they all take care of each other). If just those 2 statements alone do not give you a glimpse of the good heart this man has I’m not sure anything will.”

McClure’s fundraiser is an astounding success. As of this writing, she’s raised almost $115,000.

“With the money, I would like to get him first and last month’s rent at an apartment, a reliable vehicle, and 4-6 months worth of expenses,” she wrote. “He is very interested in finding a job, and I believe that with a place to be able to clean up every night and get a good night’s rest, his life can get back to being normal.”

“Truly believe that all Johnny needs is one little break. Hopefully with your help I can be the one to give it to him.”

Johnny is going to be set for a while.

[Philly Enquirer] Featured image via Kate McClure (GoFundMe)

Sky Palma

Before launching DeadState back in 2012, Sky Palma has been blogging about politics, social issues and religion for over a decade. He lives in Los Angeles and also enjoys Brazilian jiu jitsu, chess, music and art.