Donut City in Seal Beach, Florida, has been around for nearly thirty years.
Customer Jennee Rogers told CNN: “Every Sunday for 20 years, we’ve been purchasing donuts. It’s one of the few things that’s still here. [John] makes them fresh and brings them right there in the mornings. It’s a real American dream for them.”
Most recently, however, customers noticed something different: Stella was nowhere to be found.
John Chan and his wife Stella have been running the shop since it opened so many years ago. Patrons entering the establishment were always greeted by the sight of Stella making donuts in the back room— but recently, she hadn’t been around. Upon asking John, they learned she had suffered a brain aneurysm and was moved into a nursing home.
“It’s heartbreaking to hear her misfortune,” regular Steve O’Fallon told CNN.
John wanted to spend as much time as possible with Stella but couldn’t afford to close shop. Upon hearing the predicament, customers came up with a plan.
They had debated starting a crowdfunding website— but John, having prided himself on his hard work since coming to America as a Cambodian refugee, immediately refused. That’s when Dawn Caviola had an idea. “I went home and I just couldn’t get [their situation] out of my head,” she told NBC News. “They were just such hard working people.
John couldn’t leave the donut shop until he sold his donuts— or the day ended, whichever came first. But if he just so happened to sell all his product every morning, he’d be able to go see Stella. Her idea quickly spread.
“I have never done anything like that before, but I just thought if everyone can just buy a dozen donuts, it might help him out.”
“I didn’t think it would become this big.”
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Now, every morning starting at 4:30 AM, customers flock to the donut shop to buy all of John’s donuts.
Usually, John’s completely sold out by 6:30 to 7:30 AM which allows him to spend the rest of the day with Stella. Although the customers’ actions may seem incredible, they say they’re only paying back the “sweetness” they’ve received from the couple over the years.
O’Fallon recalled:
“I would drop by there with my mom and dad in the mornings before school. John would always toss a few extra donut holes. He always has a smile on his face.”
Since being featured on local media, the heartwarming story is going viral.
It’s been covered by outlets such as NBC, CTV, MSN, ABC, and many, many more. It’s so incredible to see a community come together to help a resident in need. “I’m very appreciative,” John told CNN. “I feel very warm.”
With all the negativity in the media, small acts of kindness are often ignored. The story is a refreshing reminder that every bit of goodness counts. Comments on the video read:
“Call it what you will, but God does care! He shows up in ways that ‘some’ people can’t see or understand. May God bless the owner and his family!”
“Aw, this is so sweet. I’ll def stop here for donuts.”
“This is what America is about.”
Hear the heartwarming story below!
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