Brooklyn Green, 21, was visiting an AMC movie theater in Maryville, Tennessee, when she noticed an elderly woman named Mary, hunched over and diligently picking up trash in the auditorium. Green filmed a short TikTok video about her, posted it on social media, and launched a fundraiser on GoFundMe, according to infohub.kz.
Initially, Brooklyn Green hoped to raise just a small amount to help the woman cover at least one month's rent. But the video quickly went viral, and within the first 24 hours users donated more than $100,000. The next day, donations grew by another $46,000, bringing the total to $146,000.
According to reports, Maryville residents and viewers from across the country actively supported the initiative, sending in money transfers.
When Green went to the theater to present the gift, Mary was not on shift. A manager said the woman had worked in the movie industry for more than 45 years and truly loved her job. According to him, Mary was even afraid to retire because she feared losing her activity. Later, Green met with the employee in person and handed her the money, and the elderly woman warmly thanked everyone who contributed to the fundraiser.