Social Justice
Karen Klein, bullied bus monitor, receives over $600k in donations
Karen Klein the bus monitor who was bullied, has finally met the anonymous benefactor who started a website that raised more than $659,000.
Karen Klein the bus monitor who was bullied, has finally met the anonymous benefactor who started a website that raised more than $659,000.
Klein, 68, had welcomed Max Sidorov into her Greece, N.Y. home.
Sidorov, who is from Toronto, said he was bullied once, too. After seeing the video, he said, he had to do something. “I know how it feels, nobody should have to go through that, ever,” Sidorov said.
Sidorov set up a website asking for donations to send Klein on a vacation with his original goal set at $5,000. In its first 24 hours, the fundraising campaign raised $125,000.
More than 7,500 signatures have accumulated on a Change.org petition urging President Obama to allow Klein to receive the donations tax-free, even though the money is not taxable.
“I didn’t think anyone expected anything like this,” Sidorov said.
“I need new carpeting, maybe a paint job here and there. Pay off all my bills so that I can retire,” Klein said.
Karen Klein, a grandmother of eight, one with Down syndrome, said she will donate part of the money to support research.
“I almost feel like I don’t deserve it,” Klein said. “They should be sending their donations to other people that have more problems than I do.”
Most of all, Klein said she is grateful to Sidorov for turning something painful into something beautiful. “My wrist band says be a buddy, not a bully,” Klein said.
----------------------------------------------------------
Connect with Unheard Voices on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube
Download the app on Google Play or ITunes.
----------------------------------------------------------
Unheard Voices Magazine is a news reporting platform covered under Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.
-
Health & Wellness3 weeks ago
Amber Nicole Thurman died from delayed care due to Georgia’s abortion laws, says family
-
Culture2 weeks ago
New Wu-Tang Clan concert film returns to Wilmington before PBS release
-
Entertainment3 weeks ago
‘OWN For the Holidays’ returns for its sixth year with three original movies for a festive 2024 season
-
Culture4 weeks ago
3 Chambers Fest celebrates the fusion of hip-hop, martial arts, and anime culture
-
Politics3 weeks ago
Lil Scrappy, Big Freedia, Mia X, Cookie Nasty, and more artists partner with Hip Hop Caucus for a Political Rap Cypher
-
Culture3 weeks ago
Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA) is accepting submissions for 2025 Janet & Walter Sondheim Art Prize and Creative Baltimore Fund grant program
-
Entertainment3 weeks ago
CHURCHY series starring Kevin “KevOnStage” Fredericks renewed for a second season
-
Culture5 days ago
Hip Hop Caucus Highlights Success of 2024 Respect my Vote! Campaign