A homeless Good Samaritan turned in a lost backpack stuffed with nearly $42,000 in cash and travelers cheques he found Saturday at a Dorchester mall. After returning the bag to its rightful owner, the Boston police honored Glen James yesterday with a citation for his “extraordinary show of character and honesty.”
Inspired by the actions of the honest man, Ethan Whittington set up a fund for which $18,500 has been raised so far to help with Mr. James's living expenses and medical care.
During the ceremony, James handed out a written statement, thanking everyone who has ever put money in his cup when panhandling. “Even if I were desperate for money, I would not have kept even a … penny of the money I found. I am extremely religious — God has always very well looked after me,” the statement read.
"Homeless people are the first to help you out," Glen's friend who stays at the same shelter told the Boston Herald. "He knows what it's like to be down and out."
The Midlothian, Virginia man who set up the fundraising page on GoFundMe.com wrote today after the fund hit $18,000, "Just amazing what people can do when they come together to work towards one goal."
(WATCH the video from WCVB-TV and READmore at
Boston Mag)