Spine-tingling response to homeless man who returned backpack with £26,000 inside

"Lets all chip in and help this man change his life. Every little donation helps."

By Rebecca Lewis | Yahoo! News 

One online fundraiser who had never met Glen James before has raised £62,000 ($100,500) after the noble act landed the Good Samaritan in the spotlight.

Glen, who is said to be in his mid-fifties, found the bag with $42,000 inside - $2,400 in cash and $39,500 in travelers checks - in front of a TJ Maxx store in his native city Boston on Saturday evening.

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He immediately took it to police officers patrolling the area and gave them his name and location of the homeless shelter where he lives. The bag was returned to its owner.

Glen James, of Boston, left, smiles in the direction of members
of the media as Boston Police Commissioner Edward …

When Ethan Whittington, 27, from Virginia, heard the story he was so moved by Glen's act of honesty he decided to set up a fundraiser on the online donation site GoFundMe to help him.

The accounts manager wrote on the page description: "Lets all chip in and help this man change his life. Every little donation helps."

But he was astounded when news of Glen's good deed spread and donations poured in - exceeding his target of $50,000 (£31,000) in just one day.

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Since then hundreds more donations have flooded in and wellwishers have even offered computers and free dental work for Glen to help him get back on his feet.

Glen, who has been homeless since 2005, is said to be overwhelmed by the support from complete strangers.

He has been honoured by Boston Police Commissioner Edward Davis and given a special citation for his good deed.

Glen James, of Boston, right, holds a special citation
while facing reporters with Boston Police Commissioner Edward …

Fundraiser Ethan told NBC: "It was awesome. To do something for somebody and you don't even know them, and you see pictures of them, you hear great things about them, and then to finally get to talk to them, is great.

"He was saying thank you, but the biggest thing I was trying to convey to him is he didn't have to thank us, we were thanking him."

Ethan has also assured wellwishers the entire fund will be transferred to Glen, who has now been able to open a bank account.