Radio Show Raises Money for Elderly Theft Victim
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JACKSON, Tenn.- Dozens of residents across West Tennessee raised more than $2,500 dollars during 96 KIX morning radio show “Community Feedback” with host Richard Donnell, Sunday. The money will directly benefit theft victim Jimmie Stewart, 78. Stewart had his wallet stolen last week after falling ill in the check-out line at Food Giant; he said he had just received Kidney Dialysis. “He’s taking care of a wife who has Alzheimer’s. He’s a diabetic patient himself and we felt compassion for him so I asked the audience would they please help him,” said Richard Donnell, host of “Community Feedback”. Dozens of strangers called in wanting to help, before 10 a.m. Donnell said listeners had donated a total more than $2,500 which is nearly double the amount of cash that Stewart had lost during the theft. Stewart and his family said they were listening to the radio show from home. “It was a dream… yes, a dream come true,” said Jimmie Stewart, theft victim. “I can’t thank them enough, all I can say is I thank them. I would like to do it individually but I guess I’ll do it this way and say thanks.” In addition to the funds raised on the radio show, after seeing the Stewart’s story on WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News, West Tennessee Health care Foundation set up the Jimmie Stewart Charitable Fund in an effort to restore money he needs for medical bills and food. Hospital officials said donations can be dropped off at any BancorpSouth branch in the West Tennessee Area. Stewart told WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News that he plans on paying his bills and buying a big turkey for this Thanksgiving. According to police there are still no arrests in the theft. To get another look at the surveillance video look for the story on our homepage. Anyone with information on identifying the black man wearing a brown coat, seen taking Stewart’s wallet is asked to call Jackson Police at (731) 425-8400 or Crime Stoppers at (731) 424-8477 (TIPS).
