This is Ernest from New Jersey’s story…

"My father is 81 years old and a proud Veteran. He is still paying off his home and may be doing so into his 90s. He gets excited when he says he only has 11 years left, but it is hard to hear. He worked as a mail carrier and now lives on a limited income that barely covers his mortgage and basic needs.

His health makes things even harder. He has heart problems, diabetes, and severe arthritis in both knees. He cannot walk far without pain. Some days, he struggles to have enough food at home. Recently, his car broke down and could not be fixed, so he had to take on a used car payment on top of everything else.

Six years ago, he lost my mom to breast cancer. They were married for 52 years, and she was the love of his life. Since she passed, he has not been the same. He rarely leaves the house and keeps the shades closed most days. It feels like he has been living in quiet grief ever since.

My sister and I both work, but we are living paycheck to paycheck ourselves. I am a teacher and live in a small apartment. We wish we could do more to help him, but we simply do not have the means. It is painful to watch someone who gave so much struggle just to get by.

My dad served this country with pride and would do it again if he could. He deserves comfort and peace in this stage of life. Any support, whether through giving or sharing, would mean so much. It would help ease his burden and bring some light back into his days."

-Gineen Ricciardelli

Kindness Creator Samuel Weidenhofer is on a mission to ensure one veteran or veteran’s family in every US state never has to work again.

With over 15 million people behind him, this is more than a fundraiser. It’s a national movement to honour those who have served.

Every donation matters.

Every share helps change a life.