When Johnny Jennings first visited the Georgia Baptist Children's Home he was only 18 years old — and he left it as a changed man.
He told TODAY, "When we went to leave, these three little boys grabbed me by the knees and said, 'Will you be my daddy?' And I said I'll do what I can. That took my heart, right there."
Since Jennings didn't have a lot of money to just give away, nor was he ready to adopt a child, he began collecting paper and aluminum, turning them in for recycling and earning a little cash for each delivery.
In the past thirty years, his donations have added up to more than $400,000! As his project became known in the community, people began collecting as well, dropping off goods at his home because they knew it would go to a good cause.
Dr. Kenneth Thompson, President of the Georgia Baptist Children's Home, said, "Johnny Jennings is one of the most gracious individuals I have ever met. I have always admired his quiet, humble spirit, his commitment to helping others and most of all, his love for the children in our care."
He didn't stop at recycling, though. Jennings also collected pennies, enough to span 24 miles!
With a mile of pennies being equal to 84,480 coins, that's over $20,000 in pennies alone! And every last penny was donated to the home.
Of course, Jennings has remained connected to the church by being a trustee on the board and at the annual meeting, he presents his latest check.
"I've been a trustee for 20 years. I'm just part of the family," he said.
h/t TODAY
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