A heartwarming story has emerged from Providence College in Rhode Island, where a group of compassionate students came together to help a security guard named James reunite with his family in Nigeria after 11 long years of separation.
It all started when the students struck up a friendship with James, who works at Raymond Hall on campus. Upon learning about his prolonged absence from his loved ones, including his son in Nigeria, the students decided to take action.
They launched a GoFundMe campaign on Feb. 29 to raise funds for James' travel expenses. Describing James as a kind and hardworking individual who always greets everyone with a smile, the students rallied support for their cause.
Within just 24 hours, the generous donors had contributed $3,000 towards the cause. The students wasted no time in presenting the collected funds to James on March 6, leaving him visibly moved and grateful.
The emotional moment was captured in a photo shared on the GoFundMe page, showing James overwhelmed with gratitude as he received the money that would enable him to visit his family in Nigeria in June.
Reflecting on the impact of their gesture, the students expressed their deep appreciation for James and his positive influence on the college community. Dean of Students Steven Sears also praised James for his caring nature and the heartfelt prayers he offers for the students' well-being.
Looking ahead, the students plan to continue supporting James by directing any additional donations towards funding his future trips to Nigeria. The ongoing GoFundMe campaign has already raised over $15,000, showcasing the widespread support and generosity of those touched by James' story.