Wrong Text Message Lands College Student With Hundreds of Dollars In Donations

A broke college student is $2,000 richer after being on the receiving end of an accidental random text message.

An engineering major student at a community college in Knoxville, Tennessee, Charles Jarreau was not expecting a text message from Leslie Fisher, a total stranger. Fisher accidentally texted the student when checking the status of a turkey order. 

“Hi Leslie, unfortunately, I believe you have the wrong number; I’m a broke college kid in Knoxville, not a turkey dealer,” Jarreau responded to Fisher’s message.

Fisher apologized for the mistake and offered to buy the student lunch by sending him money through Cash App. 

“I have a son in college, and I know exactly how he feels being a broke college student,” Fisher told News Channel 5.

Fisher posted a screenshot of the exchange to her Facebook. Her friends and even some strangers began sending donations to Jarreau, totaling almost $2,000.

“Right now, people have sent me close to $2,000; I felt a little bit guilty about getting all this money,” Jarreau told the outlet. “Some of her friends mentioned paying it forward, so I plan on donating to some local charities like Second Harvest and giving some of that money to Leslie and her son.”

Fisher said she is touched that Jarreau wanted to share some of his donations with her. 

“The intent was to show this young man that this is who I am as a parent and as a person,” said Fisher.

Jarreau said he is thankful for the kindness shown to him and want to thank Fisher and the community for giving him something to be grateful for this Thanksgiving.