Feel Good Story of the Week – Former Teacher Gifted $27,000 by One-time Student

A 77-year-old former substitute teacher who was living in his car was gifted with a $27,000 check by a one-time student. Jose Villarruel, lovingly known as “Mr. V” by his students, was a substitute teacher for decades, but in 2020 he resigned after schools changed over to distance learning due to the pandemic. He made all the arrangements for his pension, but the money didn’t last long, and Villarruel has been living out of his car ever since. His former student, Steven Nava, came across Villarruel in his car and recognized him. Nava initially gave Villarruel $300, and then decided to start a GoFundMe page to help him get back on his feet. He shared it all over social media, including on TikTok, where it went viral with over 1.7 million views. Villarruel was presented with a $27,000 check from the money raised, along with other gifts.

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