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Elderly Chicago frozen treat seller receives $380,000 from GoFundMe campaign

More than 17,000 people donated money after seeing a picture of Sanchez struggling to push his cart and selling paletas, or frozen ice pops, in Chicago’s ...
Frozen treat vendor Fidencio Sanchez, photo by Joel Cervantes Macias on Facebook

CHICAGO (AP) — What began as a small effort to help out a Chicago man who sold frozen treats has resulted in a big payout for the 89-year-old.

Fidencio Sanchez accepted a check from GoFundMe for more than $380,000 on Wednesday, Sept. 21. The online fundraising page launched by Joel Cervantes Macias on Sept. 9 started with a goal of $3,000.

Fidencio and his wife recently lost their adult daughter who supported them, so he's been pushing the Popsicle cart around every day just to make around $50, reports WGN.

Sanchez spoke in Spanish as he expressed gratitude for the support he received.

Cervantes Macias says the money will give Sanchez financial security. He notes Sanchez loves to work because he believes it keeps him young.

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