NEW ORLEANS — When Dillon McCormick got ready for work on Memorial Day, he put on his orange vest, his walking shoes, and a smile.
“How old am I? Just made 90 in November,” the United States Air Force Veteran said.
Behind that smile is a 90-year-old veteran, still pushing carts at the Metairie Winn Dixie.
“Oh I shop here all the time, and he’s always working really, really hard out here,” one shopper said. “I see him, he loves his job, but he’s struggling out here.”
Thanks to thousands of people across the country, he may soon be able to turn in his orange vest.
“If you were to comfortably retire, how much would you need to make?” Former WWL Louisiana Anchor Karen Swensen said.
“About $2,500 per month,” McCormick responded.
On Monday, former WWL Louisiana anchor Karen Swensen ran into McCormick.
When she saw him working in the heat, she launched a GoFundMe. By Tuesday afternoon, over 4,000 had donated, totaling over $200,000.
“Oh my god, when do I get to see the money?” McCormick asked.
It’s enough money, he says, to retire comfortably.
“Thank them so very, very much. I think it’s great. At my age, it’s like a miracle,” McCormick said.
The 200K goal was reached Tuesday evening, and McCormick can retire if he chooses to.
Swensen has disabled new donations for the fundraiser and thanked everyone for contributing.
"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," Swensen said on the GoFundMe post. "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."
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