The men and women of Collin County, Texas just came together to raise money to pay for the medical bills of the beloved janitor at their local elementary school.

Lee Hamilton, who goes by “Mr. Lee” to students, has worked at Puster Elementary School since it opened. After hearing that Mr. Lee needs extensive back surgery to keep him out of a wheelchair, the community launched a GoFundMe page for him to fund the surgery.

“He is an incredibly hard worker and a steady, positive influence for the kids,” Diane Knowles Dahl wrote on the page. “These funds will be used to help pay his medical bills and their living expenses during the time Mr. Lee is incapacitated. Any amount you can give is appreciated!”

The community was particularly eager to help Mr. Lee because he is the caregiver for his wife, who suffers from multiple sclerosis. The town has already exceeded their goal of raising $10,000, as they have raised over $26,000 for him! Mr. Lee is both stunned and touched at what his community has done for him.

“It’s overwhelming,” he said. “I didn’t know I touched so many people. It’s been amazing, and I appreciate everything they did for me.”

Mr. Lee is set to have his first surgery this week. We hope and pray that it goes well for him and that he enjoys many years of good health to come. We also want to applaud his community for coming together to support him when he needed it most!

Find out more about this in the video below.